Sean Baker Urges Protection Of Movie Theaters In Oscar Acceptance Speech For Best Director

March 3, 2025: The 2025 Oscars were a night of celebration, but one of the most powerful moments came during Sean Baker’s acceptance speech for Best Director, after his film Anora triumphed at the ceremony.

Baker, known for his unique style of filmmaking and a longstanding commitment to independent cinema, took home the prestigious award for his work on Anora. As he accepted the honor, he didn’t just reflect on his own achievement but also made a heartfelt plea to protect the future of movie theaters.

“We’re all here tonight and watching this broadcast because we love movies,” Baker began. “But where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theater… Watching a film in the theater with an audience is an experience. We can laugh together, cry together, and, in a time in which the world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever.”

Baker’s speech took a serious turn as he warned that this communal experience, which has been vital to the cultural fabric of cinema, is in danger. “The theater-going experience is under threat,” he stated, highlighting the struggles of independent theaters. He shared troubling statistics, noting, “During the pandemic, we lost 1,000 screens in the US, and we continue to lose them regularly. If we don’t reverse this trend, we’ll be losing a vital part of our culture.”

His words resonated deeply within the room, and the audience responded with a round of applause, recognizing the importance of his message.

As an “indie film lifer,” Baker is intimately familiar with the challenges of the film industry and the crucial role that independent movie theaters play in the success of new filmmakers. He has been a passionate advocate for supporting these theaters, which provide a platform for innovative and often groundbreaking films that may otherwise go unseen in mainstream cinemas.

Anora, which was both a critical and commercial success, was one of the biggest winners of the night, with six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. The film’s win marked the culmination of a highly successful awards campaign, solidifying its place in the spotlight.

Baker’s Oscar acceptance was presented by renowned director Quentin Tarantino, and the director thanked his dedicated team, especially his wife, Samantha Quan, who also served as a producer on Anora. Additionally, Baker was honored with the Oscar for Best Film Editing, recognizing the technical and artistic excellence behind the film.

Baker’s call to preserve the theater experience was not just a plea for the past but also a reminder of the vital role that these spaces play in the future of cinema, urging audiences and the industry to act before it’s too late.