LOS ANGELES — On Sunday night at the Oscars, filmmaker Sean Baker experienced a remarkable evening, winning four Academy Awards, including best director and best picture, for his film “Anora.” His work, which often delves into the lives of sex workers and immigrants, culminated in a significant triumph for the 53-year-old artist.
Baker’s creation, a comedy-drama, showcases Mikey Madison portraying a Brooklyn exotic dancer who impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch during a ketamine-fueled escapade in Las Vegas. This decision irks the groom’s parents, who send misfit henchmen to pursue the couple in an attempt to force an annulment.
“Anora” captivated the Oscars audience, securing five total wins, surpassing “The Brutalist” by two prizes. Baker’s four personal wins tied him with Walt Disney for the most individual awards in a single ceremony in Oscar history. Notably, all of Baker’s wins derived from his single project, contrasting with Disney’s 1954 accomplishment. Baker surpassed the previous record set by Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” in 2020.
In addition to best director and best picture, Baker also claimed awards for best original screenplay and best editing, an uncommon feat as directors do not typically edit their own films. His pre-Oscars honors included prestigious wins from the Directors Guild of America, Producers Guild, and Independent Spirit Awards, positioning him as a frontrunner.
During his acceptance speech for best director, Baker implored filmmakers to continue creating movies meant for the big screen, lamenting the decline of traditional theater experiences. He emphasized the importance of collective viewing, stating, “In a time in which the world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever. It’s a communal experience you simply don’t get at home. If we don’t reverse this trend, we’ll be losing a vital part of our culture. This is my battle cry.”
Baker acknowledged Quentin Tarantino, who presented the award, saying that Madison’s involvement in “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” paved the way for “Anora.” On the same evening, Madison received her first Oscar as lead actress, expressing gratitude to Baker for his guidance.
This year’s best director nominees all shared writing credits on their films, highlighting the Academy’s preference for multi-talented filmmakers who bring a singular vision to the screen. Baker emerged victorious over contenders Brady Corbet for “The Brutalist,” James Mangold for “A Complete Unknown,” Jacques Audiard for “Emilia Pérez,” and Coralie Fargeat for “The Substance.”
“Anora” exemplifies Baker’s ability to fuse indie-style provocative comedy with social commentary, presenting narratives on marginalized groups to a broader public. Produced on a lean budget of $6 million, Baker proudly declared it the “best $6 million ever spent,” a stark comparison to last year’s big-budget “Oppenheimer,” which cost $100 million.
Baker has been outspoken about the challenges faced by independent filmmakers amidst the industry’s leaning towards high-budget films. At the Independent Spirit Awards, he decried the development of “calling card films” intended solely for studio attention. He advocates for the support of indie projects to ensure innovative cinematic endeavors continue to reach audiences.
Throughout his career, Baker has championed humanizing portrayals of sex work. His 2012 film “Starlet” focused on a friendship between a young adult film actress and an older woman. His subsequent works “Tangerine,” “The Florida Project,” and “Red Rocket” have continued to explore similar themes with considerable acclaim.
Producers Alex Coco and Samantha Quan, Baker’s spouse, also shared in “Anora’s” success, accepting Oscars for the best picture win. This victory not only underscores the reach of Baker’s distinctive narrative voice but also solidifies his impact on the film industry.