Oscars 2025: Sean Baker Takes Home Best Original Screenplay Award For Anora
"This is crazy. Thank you to the Academy, thank you so much for this honour," Sean Baker said.
Sean Baker has officially joined the ranks of Oscar-winning screenwriters. At the 97th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 2, the 54-year-old American filmmaker won the prestigious Best Original Screenplay title for his romantic comedy Anora. He accepted the honor from presenter Amy Poehler and delivered a heartwarming acceptance speech.
“This is crazy. Thank you to the Academy, thank you so much for this honour," Sean began his speech. He went on to praise his “incredible, incredible cast," giving them credit for “elevating" his words and making him “look very good."
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In his speech, the 54-year-old filmmaker also took a moment to acknowledge the sex worker community, who played a crucial role in shaping his film’s narrative. “They have shared their stories, they have shared their life experience with me over the years. My deepest respect. Thank you. I share this with you," said Sean.
Anora, produced, written, directed and edited by Sean Baker, follows the gripping drama that follows the titular character, played by 25-year-old American actress Mikey Madison. She works at a New York strip club and then elopes with Vanya Zakharov (played by Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a Russian oligarch. The film also features actors like Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan and Aleksei Serebryakov.
Anora has been a critical favourite this awards season and was nominated in six categories at the 2025 Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Actress for Mikey and Best Supporting Actor for Yura.
The competition for the Best Original Screenplay award was fierce, as Anora was up against notable contenders. A Real Pain, September 5, The Brutalist and The Substance were also nominated for the same category at the 97th Academy Awards.
Apart from the Best Original Screenplay awards, Sean Baker made history by bagging a second award for Anora. The filmmaker took home the Best Film Editing award, leaving behind Conclave, Emilia Perez, The Brutalist and Wicked in this category.
Apart from bagging Oscars, Sean’s film Anora has also bagged other prestigious accolades since its release in 2024. It won the Palme d’Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Meanwhile, the film’s lead actress, Mikey Madison, won a BAFTA for her performance in the film. Sean has won the Writers Guild of America award for the film.
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