Sean Baker, the visionary director of Anora, has made cinematic history by becoming the first person to win four Oscars in a single year for the same film.
The Florida Project filmmaker took home the Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Director, and Best Picture. This achievement ties him with Walt Disney, who also won four Oscars in one night back in 1953—though Disney’s wins were for four different films, whereas Sean Baker secured all his accolades for Anora.
In his acceptance speech for Best Director, Sean Baker expressed his gratitude to the Academy for recognizing Anora as an independent film. He emphasized his deep passion for cinema and the importance of theatrical experiences.
“We’re all here tonight and watching this broadcast because we love movies. Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theater,” Sean Baker stated, reinforcing his dedication to preserving the magic of the big screen.
The filmmaker continued his speech by advocating for the support of traditional moviegoing, stressing that in an era of increasing digital consumption, theatrical experiences remain vital.
“In a time in which our world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever: It’s a communal experience you simply don’t get at home,” Sean Baker explained, urging filmmakers to keep making movies intended for cinema screens.
Sean Baker also called upon distributors to prioritize theatrical releases over streaming debuts, emphasizing that the essence of cinema is best captured in theaters. Additionally, he encouraged parents to introduce their children to feature films in cinemas, stating that doing so would shape the next generation of movie lovers and filmmakers.
During his heartfelt speech, Sean Baker took a moment to honor his mother, who played a crucial role in his love for cinema. “My mother introduced me to cinema at five years old. Today is also her birthday. Happy birthday, Mom. I love you. Thank you for everything,” he said warmly.
Baker also gave a nod to Quentin Tarantino, who had originally cast Mikey Madison in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, a decision that later influenced Baker to cast her in Anora. Madison stars in the film’s titular role, portraying a sex worker experiencing a whirlwind Cinderella story.
With this monumental achievement, Sean Baker cements his place in cinematic history, reinforcing his commitment to independent storytelling and the theatrical experience.