In a thought-provoking moment last fall, filmmaker Sean Baker found himself at a restaurant in Manhattan discussing a concerning poll about the perception of sex in movies and television. The survey revealed that a significant number of Gen Z moviegoers are largely turned off by sexual content in films. Baker expressed his dismay, stating, “That broke my heart. I thought, there’s something wrong here. You’re OK with all the violence that’s out there? Sex is a vital part of existence. Why don’t you want to see sex in our stories?” This sentiment reflects the challenges that modern filmmakers face when trying to incorporate sexuality into their narratives.
Fast forward to the recent Academy Awards, where Baker’s film "Anora" made waves by winning five Oscars, including Best Picture. The film tells the story of an erotic dancer, played by Mikey Madison, who marries the son of a Russian oligarch. This bold narrative choice is atypically explicit for a best picture winner, a category often dominated by more subdued films like "The King’s Speech" and "Driving Miss Daisy." Historically, the Oscars have not focused on young women's relationships with their own sexuality, making "Anora" a groundbreaking entry in this prestigious category.
Produced for just $6 million and distributed by Neon, "Anora" was crafted with little regard for mainstream appeal. Instead, it seemed more aligned with the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the coveted Palme d’Or last May. Baker revealed that this recognition meant the most to him, emphasizing the merging worlds of independent cinema and mainstream success, as four Palme d’Or winners have been nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards in the last five years.
Unlike typical Hollywood fairy tales, “Anora” subverts expectations, presenting a modern narrative that embraces its identity as cinema. In an industry often dominated by franchise films and blockbuster hits, "Anora" stands out as a genuine representation of independent filmmaking. Baker, who has committed to avoiding studio films and streaming projects, draws inspiration from the bold storytelling of 1970s cinema. During the ceremony, he passionately advocated for the importance of theatrical releases, stating, “Filmmakers, keep making films for the big screen. I know I will.”
The victory of "Anora" is not unprecedented, as independent films have previously triumphed over major studio productions. Yet, this year’s Oscars showcased a remarkable shift, with all major award winners hailing from independent films. In a surprising turn, the Best Animated Feature award went to "Flow," a wordless Latvian film, defeating the heavily favored "The Wild Robot." This win points to a growing appreciation for innovative storytelling and the democratization of filmmaking tools.
The recent changes within the Academy, including the addition of international members, have significantly impacted the awards landscape. These new voters, more inclined to support films from festivals like Cannes and Venice, suggest a possible future tilt toward indie and arthouse cinema. While this may alienate some traditional viewers, it also has the potential to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and cinephiles. "Anora," with its $16 million in domestic ticket sales, is one of the lowest-grossing best picture winners ever, highlighting a departure from the box office expectations typically associated with Oscar contenders.
Despite this, the Academy made efforts to connect with larger productions during the ceremony, featuring performances from "Wicked" and tributes to franchises like James Bond. However, the reality is that the landscape of the Oscars is evolving, leaving behind conventional studio-driven narratives in favor of more diverse and dynamic storytelling.
As a film that encompasses genres from screwball farce to tragicomedy, "Anora" challenges traditional storytelling and redefines what a best picture winner can be. Its unexpected narrative culminates in an unforgettable scene that elevates the film into a classic realm. The aftermath of Baker’s Oscar success remains uncertain, but the resonance of "Anora" is undeniable, akin to the seismic tremors felt in nearby Burbank shortly after the awards—a fitting metaphor for the cultural shift that "Anora" represents.
