Director, screenwriter, and editor Sean Baker achieved a remarkable milestone at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday night, winning four Oscars for his film “Anora.” With this accomplishment, Baker joins the ranks of animation legend Walt Disney as one of only two individuals to win four Academy Awards, although his feat comes from a single film rather than multiple works.

The Path to Victory

Disney’s record was established in 1953 when he won Oscars for a variety of films, taking home awards for categories such as best documentary and best short subject at the 26th Academy Awards. In a similar vein, Baker’s “Anora” received six nominations, including prestigious categories like best picture, best original screenplay, and best director.

Overview of ‘Anora’

“Anora,” which revolves around a young sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, faced dramatic turns when the family learns of her past, jeopardizing her fairytale outcome. This compelling narrative earned Baker acclaim, culminating in five Oscar wins from the film’s six nominations, with only the best supporting actor award eluding him, which went to Kieran Culkin for “A Real Pain.”

Recognizing Contributions

Baker, who intimately involves himself in multiple aspects of his films, including writing, directing, and editing, commented humorously during his acceptance speech for best editing. He pointed out that he only allows three individuals into his editing room: his wife and producer Samantha Quan, fellow producer Alex Coco, and his dog, Bunson, who provided “good notes.”

Impacts of ‘Anora’

Filmed on a budget of $6 million in just 40 days, “Anora” was distributed by Neon and went on to earn over $40 million globally, additional accolades including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, two BAFTAs, and a Critics Choice Award.

Call to Action

During his acceptance speech for best director, Baker emphasized the importance of the theatrical experience, stating, “the theater-going experience is under threat.” He urged audiences to continue supporting cinemas, highlighting the communal aspect of film-watching which fosters connection among viewers.

Additionally, when accepting the best original screenplay award, Baker expressed gratitude to the sex worker community for their invaluable insights that shaped the narrative of “Anora,” recognizing their stories by stating, “My deepest respect. Thank you. I share this with you.”