Samantha Quan, from left, winner of the award for best picture for "Anora, Sean Baker, winner of the awards for best original screenplay, best film editing, best director, and best picture for "Anora,

Sean Baker, winner of the Best Film Editing for “Anora”, poses in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscars at Ovation Hollywood on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/) Sean Baker,

Sean Baker, a North Jersey native, keeps winning Academy Awards. Baker, who was born in Summit and grew up in Short Hills won Best Director for his movie

LOS ANGELES — "Anora,” a strip club Cinderella story without the fairy tale ending, was crowned best picture at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, handing Sean Baker’s gritt

"Anora," the story of a New York sex worker who gets a chance at a new life when she marries a wealthy Russian client on a whim, won five Academy Awards on Sunday (March 2), including the coveted best picture Oscar.

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.

Oscars ceremony was full of standout moments — from the show’s powerful opening number featuring Wicked nominees Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo to Conan O’Brien’s hosting zingers — but the night was also filled with famous firsts.

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.

Director Sean Baker tied Walt Disney for most Oscar wins in a single night for his indie film “Anora,” which stars Academy Award winner Mikey Madison