I was so psyched that Anora won Best Picture, that Sean Baker won Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing and that Mikey Madison took home the Best Actress Oscar last night at the Academy Awards. I loved the film and supported it but the real reason I'm excited by the wins is that Anora is a true independent film. Sean Baker made his first feature, Tangerine, ON A CELL PHONE!
Baker rounded out the night with his closing thoughts for the Oscars. “I want to thank the Acedemy for rescognising a truly independednt film. This film is made of the blood, sweat and tears of incredible indie artists. Long live independent film!”
We are in the most incredible time ever for independent filmmaking. Be inspired. Believe. You can take your films and careers as far as you can dream.
https://www.screendaily.com/news/oscars-2025-speeches-sean-baker-calls-for-indie-film-support-no-other-land-directors-criticise-us-government/5202566.article#:~:text=The filmmaker took the opportunity,the award for best director.
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Cool cool... but Moonlight won Best Pic 9 years ago. Wasnt that indie flick made for under $1.2-4M?
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Dan MaxXx - YES, Moonlight won 8 years ago (budget of $1.2-$4M), Coda won 3 years ago (budget of $10M) and now Anora (budget of $6M). Moonlight was such an amazing film, as was Coda and Anora. I'll always be in awe of the work Barry Jenkins and that whole team did down in Miami on that budget. As we continue to move through time, I celebrate indie film more and more and feel that is where the best work and story telling is found. It's also where great success can be found. One thing those 3 films have in common is how authentic they are to where they were filmed - truly local stories with universal emotional themes and they capture the world's attention (and the biggest awards in the industry). I am just excited for independent film all around the world and see how it's thriving, and will continue to thrive, and deliver these types of stories that truly connect.
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Great news for indie film and outstanding Sean Baker commentary on theatrical distribution!!