When Sean Baker’s “Anora” swept the 97th Academy Awards, its five wins, including best picture, heralded a different kind of Oscar winner

Sean Baker edits, directs and writes most of his films and has also served as producer and cinematographer for some. Wearing all of these hats paid off and led him to make history at the 2025 Oscars.

Sunday truly belonged to a woman named "Anora." The independent film starring Mikey Madison walked away with five Oscars – the most of the evening – including honors for best actress, best director and the night's biggest prize of best picture.

By clinching best picture for his comedy-drama “Anora” at the 97th Academy Awards, writer-director Sean Baker on Sunday became the first person to win four Oscars for the same film. He also won trophies earlier in the night for best director,

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