Filmmaker Sean Baker secured both the Producers Guild of America (PGA) and Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards for his comedy-drama film Anora.
Anora follows the story of a Brooklyn sex worker, played by Mikey Madison, and Vanya Zakharov (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a Russian oligarch. The supporting cast includes Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Aleksei Serebryakov.
At the DGA Awards, Baker expressed his emotions, saying, “My imposter syndrome is skyrocketing right now, as well as my cortisol levels.” He added, “It’s such an honour to be recognized by my peers,” as reported by Deadline.
He extended his gratitude to his directorial team, cast, crew, Neon, and the DGA. Addressing Quan and Coco, he humorously admitted, “I’ve tortured you and I’m so sorry.” He praised their efforts, saying, “They were able to pull off a USD 6 million film shot on film in New York City in 2023—almost an impossibility.”
Baker also commended his cast, emphasizing their dedication, particularly Mikey Madison, who played the lead role of Ani (Anora). The film follows a young woman working in a New York strip club who impulsively marries a younger, wealthy client, only to discover he is the son of a Russian oligarch whose family strongly opposes the marriage.
“Working with [Madison] has changed the way I will be directing actors in the future, because of what she gave,” Baker said. “Hearing her incredible ideas … a year before production, what she wanted to bring to the production and what she did bring to it. She has an incredible career ahead.”
Reflecting on his journey as a filmmaker, Baker shared how a scene from Frankenstein (1931) inspired him to become a director. “The next morning I told my mother I wanted to be a director,” he recalled. “My mother supported me the whole way. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m making the movies she wanted me to make. I don’t think she’s seen Anora, I don’t want her to see Anora.”
At the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, held on Saturday, February 8, Anora won the top honour for Best Picture, beating out strong contenders such as A Complete Unknown, The Brutalist, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Perez, Nickel Boys, Sing Sing, The Substance, and Wicked.
