Also in the Best Director Oscar category were the filmmakers behind ‘Emilia Pérez,’ ‘The Brutalist,’ ‘The Substance’ and ‘A Complete Unknown’ Anora filmmaker Sean Baker is this year’s directing champion at the Oscars.

Anora” won five Oscars in total, including best actress for Mikey Madison. While accepting the trophy for best director, Baker pleaded with the audience and viewers at home to keep movie theaters — especially the independent ones — alive.

Sean Baker has won best director at the Oscars for “Anora,” the story of a Brooklyn exotic dancer who marries the impetuous son of a Russian oligarch

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Sean Baker has won the original screenplay Oscar for “Anora,” a comedy-drama about a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch

Sean Baker’s acclaimed dramedy dominated the 2025 Oscars ceremony, which also included emotionally searing acceptance speeches and high-energy musical numbers.