LOS ANGELES — The Academy Awards on Sunday night saw an impressive sweep of victories by filmmaker Sean Baker, whose film “Anora” took home four Oscars, including Best Director and Best Picture. This remarkable achievement capped off an awards season where Baker’s insightful storytelling, often centered on sex workers and immigrants, was heavily celebrated.
Baker, who at 53 is recognized for his multifaceted talent, not only directed but also wrote, produced, and edited the film. “Anora” is a comedy-drama featuring Mikey Madison as a Brooklyn exotic dancer who impulsively marries the reckless son of a Russian oligarch during a ketamine-fueled Vegas trip. This whimsical decision displeases his family, who dispatch henchmen to annul the union.
With five total wins on Oscar night, “Anora” dominated the event, surpassing its rival “The Brutalist” by two awards. Baker joins the ranks of legends, tying with Walt Disney for the most Oscars won in a single year. Notably, all Baker’s awards were for his work on “Anora,” surpassing Bong Joon Ho’s prior record with “Parasite.”
Beyond Best Director and Best Picture, Baker also earned Oscars for Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing, a rare feat since directors rarely edit their films. His favorite status was solidified by previous wins at the Directors Guild of America, Producers Guild, and Independent Spirit Awards.
During his acceptance speech for Best Director, Baker stressed the importance of preserving the cinema experience, noting that the shared sensation of theater-going is irreplaceable in a time marked by division. He called upon filmmakers to uphold this tradition to maintain a crucial facet of cultural life.
The Best Director category this year was unique, featuring five first-time nominees, all of whom also contributed to the writing of their films. This highlights the Academy’s evolving taste towards auteurs who bring their visions to fruition on-screen. Baker triumphed over notable directors like Brady Corbet (“The Brutalist”) and James Mangold (“A Complete Unknown”).
“Anora” exemplifies Baker’s signature approach of blending humor with critical social observations, providing entertainment that prompts thought and dialogue about marginalized communities. Completed on a lean $6 million budget, Baker described the production as the “best $6 million ever spent,” especially in contrast to last year’s Best Picture, “Oppenheimer,” which cost $100 million.
As an advocate for independent filmmaking, Baker voiced concerns over the increasing difficulty for indie films to thrive amidst the industry’s focus on high-budget blockbusters. At the Independent Spirit Awards, he warned that indie films might become mere stepping stones for major studio projects, urging for more support for these vital creative ventures.
A longstanding advocate for destigmatizing sex work, Baker’s filmography often features nuanced portrayals of such individuals. His acclaimed 2012 film “Starlet” and subsequent works like “Tangerine” and “The Florida Project” highlight these narratives with empathy and authenticity.
Both Baker and Mikey Madison, who won the Best Actress award, celebrated their collaborative triumph with “Anora.” Madison attributed much of her success to Baker’s vision and support. In addition, producers Alex Coco and Samantha Quan, who is Baker’s wife, were also honored with Oscars for their role in the Best Picture win.
