The director of the best picture winner, “Anora,” urged viewers to keep seeing films in theaters. Our critic hopes the industry listens, and that Baker keeps his independence.

"Anora" director Sean Baker made history at the 2025 Oscars Sunday night. Baker broke the record for most competitive wins for the same film by a nominee in one show at the 97th Academy Awards, taking home four trophies.

Sean Baker, the now-four time Oscar-winning filmmaker behind best picture champion “Anora,” didn’t let the moment go to waste when he accepted the trophy for directing, his third of the night.