At the 97th Academy Awards held on March 3, 2025, Sean Baker made history by winning four Oscars for his film Anora, achieving the remarkable feat of being the first person to win four Academy Awards for one movie. This unprecedented triumph mirrors Walt Disney's achievement from 1953, but unlike Disney, who won for different films, Baker's awards were all tied to his work on this single indie feature.
Sean Baker's incredible night capped off what has been nothing short of a love story between him and the independent film community. Critically celebrated for his previous movies like Tangerine and The Florida Project, Baker's latest creation is rooted deeply in narratives about sex workers, inspired by real-life stories he learned of back in the early 2000s. Principal photography for Anora took 37 days and began in February 2023, before making its way to festival circuits where it won the coveted Palme d'Or, receiving standing ovations and significant attention.
The much-anticipated film, released at the perfect time during the fall, began to generate buzz and build momentum for Oscar voting. The movie follows the story of a young sex worker from New York who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, throwing her Cinderella-like narrative off balance when his parents intervene. The themes resonate with audiences, but it was Baker and the film's standout performances, especially by lead actress Mikey Madison, who brought Anora the recognition it deserved.
Throughout the awards season, Anora was nominated for five awards at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards and seven at the 78th British Academy Film Awards, of which it won two BAFTAS: Best Actress and Best Casting. The Academy Awards proved to be the crowning moment for Baker and the film, which eventually scooped five out of its six nominations, failing only to claim Best Supporting Actor which was awarded to Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain. Baker was nominated across multiple categories: Best Director, Best Editing, and Best Original Screenplay.
After winning for Best Editing, Baker took to the stage and acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the film, humorously noting, "Those three people are Samantha Quan, my wife and producer, Alex Coco, my incredible fellow producer, and my dog, Bunson — he gave me some pretty good notes." Baker’s remarks on stage reflected not only his gratitude but also his commitment to the power of cinema, stating, “Watching a film in a theater with an audience is an experience. We can laugh together, cry together. And in a time where our world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever: It’s the communal experience you simply don’t get at home.”
The movie's success can be attributed to several key factors. The Academy has shown favoritism toward narratives involving sex work, reflected by the number of nominations and wins throughout Oscar history. Baker’s directorial style, combined with his determination to give voice to the often marginalized stories of sex workers, positioned Anora as not just another film but rather as part of an important dialogue.
With its $6 million budget, film critics and audiences alike praised the cinematography and Baker's editing prowess, which enhanced the cinematic experience. The film has grossed over $40 million worldwide, building on its momentum from accolades it received on the festival circuit. Justin Chang of The New Yorker described Anora eloquently, stating it “plays like a wild dream—first joyous, then catastrophic, and always fiercely unpredictable.”
This season, Baker's achievements not only set new records but also signify a larger shift within the film industry toward recognizing diverse narratives and new voices. With thousands of new young and diverse voters joining the Academy, movies like Anora resonate among those who value fresh storytelling. Baker's efforts showcase the evolution of the Academy's voting practices and attitudes toward inclusion, making the ceremony not just about wins, but about broadening the scope of who gets to tell stories on the big screen.
Sean Baker's place among the Oscar elite may have just begun, with Anora marking the start of what could be more exciting projects ahead. For now, the film's stunning performance at this year's Academy Awards will undoubtedly be remembered as part of cinematic history, celebrating the spirit and vibrancy of independent cinema.