Sean Baker’s Anora was the big winner at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards, held yesterday at California’s Santa Monica beach. The film, about a stripper’s ill-fated marriage to a Russian oligarch’s son, picked up prizes for Best Film, Best Director and, for Mikey Madison’s lead performance, Best Lead Performance.
Other films and TV shows picking up multiple wins were A Real Pain (Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Performance), Didi (Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay) and Baby Reindeer (Best Breakthrough Performance in a New Scripted Series, Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series, Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series). No Other Land continued its sweep of documentary awards, winning Best Documentary, and the Latvian animated picture Flow won Best International Film. Girls Will Be Girls won the John Cassavetes Award for films made for less than $1 million.
The Spirits have a $30 million budget cap, so various films appearing in the Oscar race, like A Complete Unknown and Emilia Perez, weren’t eligible.
Sean Baker’s acceptance speech highlighted the difficulties independent filmmakers face. He expressed frustration over the current economic state of the industry, stating, “How do you support yourself with little or no income for 3 years?” He also addressed the need for higher upfront fees for creatives. “We are creating product... We shouldn’t be barely getting by. Creatives... have to demand what we’re worth,” he asserted. Baker’s resonance with the crowd was palpable as he concluded with, “This is for all the indie film lifers who are holding on and fighting the good fight.”
Baker also took time to honor the late Josh Welsh, Film Independent’s president who had passed away last month. Baker called him “a true champion of independent voices and a wonderful, kind human being.” The acting president of Film Independent, Brenda Walsh, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the lasting impact Welsh left on the community.
Anora dominating the night underscored its status as an awards season frontrunner. The narrative, spotlighting the life of Brooklyn sex worker and her whirlwind romance with the son of powerful Russian oligarch, appeals broadly, enabling it to resonate with audiences.
Baker’s fellow nominees also took home significant awards. Sean Wang’s Didi earned accolades for Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay, adding to its credibility within the indie community. Kieran Culkin’s performance in A Real Pain also drew praise, with many noting its depth and emotionality.
On the television side, Baby Reindeer received multiple awards, reinforcing Netflix's ability to produce engaging content. The series captured three acting prizes for Richard Gadd, Nava Mau, and Jessica Gunning.
The Independent Spirit Awards, often served as the irreverent counterpart to the Academy Awards, showcases the strife and triumph of those working within the independent film and television sphere. With its laid-back atmosphere, the Spirit Awards provide filmmakers with the opportunity to speak candidly about their experiences and challenges.
This year’s ceremony, hosted by Aidy Bryant, acknowledged leading nominees and their respective accomplishments, delightful guests, and lighthearted moments amid discussions of the state of independent cinema. The event also included remarks from other distinguished winners who elaborated on themes such as diversity and the challenges inherent to independent creation.
With Anora being nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Baker’s remarks shone light on the increasingly precarious position of independent filmmakers within the broader Hollywood ecosystem. He articulated, “Gone are the days of DVD sales.”
Many are watching closely for the movie's next appearances at upcoming award ceremonies, including the SAG Awards, where its ensemble performance will be put to the test. Given the film’s sweeping successes so far, the anticipation builds as its Oscar candidacy looms on the horizon.
The spirit of resilience and creativity within the independent film community was palpable during the ceremony. The evening emphasized not only the artistic achievements but also the unwavering commitment of indie filmmakers.