Synopsis
Sean Baker triumphed at the 97th Academy Awards, winning Best Director and Best Picture for 'Anora'. He emphasized the importance of movie theaters and urged filmmakers to continue creating for the big screen.Key Takeaways
- Sean Baker won Best Director for 'Anora'.
- The award was presented by Quentin Tarantino.
- Baker urged support for independent theaters.
- He highlighted the communal aspect of watching films in theaters.
- Baker thanked his mother for introducing him to cinema.
Los Angeles, March 3 (NationPress) Filmmaker Sean Baker has won the award for Best Director at the 97th Academy Awards for his film 'Anora'. The prestigious award was presented to Baker by the iconic filmmaker Quentin Tarantino.
In the competition for best director, Baker triumphed over other nominees, including Jacques Audiard, Brady Corbet, Coralie Fargeat, and James Mangold.
During his acceptance speech, which marked his third award of the evening, Baker made a passionate appeal for the future of movie theaters. He urged fellow filmmakers to “keep creating films for the big screen. I know I will,” according to 'Variety'.
Baker emphasized, “We’re all gathered here tonight and watching this broadcast because we love films. Where did that love begin? In the theater. Experiencing a film with an audience is unique. We can share laughter and tears, and in these divisive times, that connection is more vital than ever. The theater experience is something you cannot replicate at home.”
“Independent theaters are facing significant challenges,” Baker continued. “During the pandemic, we lost over 1,000 screens in the U.S., and the losses continue. If we don’t address this issue, we risk losing an essential part of our culture. This is my rallying cry.”
As reported by 'Variety', Baker also reached out to distributors, urging them to preserve the essence of cinema.
“Distributors, please prioritize theatrical releases for your films. Neon made that a reality for me, and I am deeply grateful,” Baker stated. “Parents, take your children to see feature films in theaters and help shape the next generation of movie enthusiasts and filmmakers. When possible, let’s watch films in theaters and keep the tradition of movie-going alive.”
Baker also expressed gratitude to his mother for introducing him to cinema at a young age, celebrating her birthday during his speech. He began his address by acknowledging Tarantino, who cast 'Anora' star Mikey Madison in 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood', marking the first time Baker saw his future collaborator on screen.
This win signified the pinnacle of Baker's triumphant awards season, which kicked off months ago when 'Anora' received the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Following its theatrical release by Neon in the fall and various accolades from critics, Baker, a proud “indie film lifer,” secured top honors at the Directors Guild of America Awards in February.
