At the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre, filmmaker Sean Baker and actress Mikey Madison made headlines with their significant victories for the film Anora. Baker captured the Best Director award, and the film itself took home four Oscars, including Best Picture, underscoring its status as the most celebrated project of the night. Madison, who played the titular character, also shone brightly as she won the Best Actress award, marking a transformative moment in her career.
During his acceptance speech, Baker relayed heartfelt sentiments about the importance of the theatrical movie-going experience. "This is my battle cry. Filmmakers, keep making movies for the big screen," he passionately declared. He emphasized how important it is to keep independent movie theaters alive, stating, "If we don’t reverse this trend, we’ll be losing a vitally important part of our culture." Baker’s concerns stemmed from the notable decline of independent theaters, with nearly 1,000 screens lost during the pandemic, which he deemed as threats to the communal experience of watching films together.
Baker's connection to mainstream cinema came full circle as he recognized Quentin Tarantino’s role in casting Madison as Sadie, one of Charles Manson's followers, in Tarantino’s 2019 film Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood. Baker remarked candidly, "If you didn’t cast Mikey in Once Upon a Time, there would be no Anora", highlighting the interconnected nature of their careers. Madison reciprocated the gratitude as she accepted her award, stating, "Thank you so much to Sean. I adore you. This is all because of you."
Released on a modest budget of $6 million, Anora swiftly became the most significant indie film of the year, defeating heavily-budgeted competitors for the Oscars. The engaging story follows Madison’s character, who, after marrying the son of a Russian oligarch on a wild Vegas trip, faces unforeseen challenges. Baker's unique storytelling merges slapstick comedy with pressing social themes, showcasing marginalized groups, particularly sex workers and immigrants.
Madison’s victory cemented her rising star status. She was relatively unknown before her memorable role in Tarantino's film, but she carved her niche with compelling performances since her debut. Many expected Demi Moore to take home the award for Best Actress, making Madison’s surprise win even more astonishing. Her talent and determination shone through her unorthodox audition for Tarantino, which included creative elements, like performing with a dramatic poem she wrote dedicated to Charles Manson and even sewing her cut hair directly onto her audition piece.
Anora not only highlights these two talented individuals' achievements but also stands as a beacon for the independent film sector, which is often overshadowed by large studio productions. Baker expressed his hope during awards season: the success of such indie projects would encourage more backing for similar creations, stating, "Without this support, innovative and meaningful films may never get made." Baker reflected on the ever-present challenges independent filmmakers face against the wave of high-budget cinematic spectacles dominating Hollywood.
Baker’s vision and the ability to blend entertainment with significant social commentary, addressing the lives of those often misrepresented, resonate strongly with audiences, making films like Anora necessary. His persistent efforts to destigmatize sex work—inspired by his earlier works, including Starlet, Tangerine, and The Florida Project—give weight to the stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds, advocating their importance and acknowledgement within cinema.
The night concluded with Baker and Madison celebrated by their peers, marking not just individual triumphs but jointly highlighting the importance of creativity and passion within the filmmaking industry. Together, they encouraged listeners to support cinematic endeavors at local theaters, ensuring future generations recognize and appreciate the magic of shared cinematic experiences. Baker’s sentiments echo with urgency, as he insists on supporting independent theaters to maintain the fabric of our cultural storytelling tradition. "We can laugh together, cry together, scream and fight together," Baker reiterated, capturing the essence of the communal experience he defends.
Through their achievements on one of cinema's grandest nights, Sean Baker and Mikey Madison not only celebrated personal milestones but also sparked conversations about the future of independent filmmaking and the importance of maintaining communal viewing experiences, all under the watchful eyes of the film industry's elite, including figures like Tarantino who continue to shape Hollywood's narrative.