“Anoras” Sean Baker urged the Hollywood community to invest in theater release and support cinemas, especially those who are independently driven, during a passionate speech after his best director Oscar -victory at the 97th annual Academy Awards on Sunday.
Baker opened his acceptance number by thanking Quentin Tarantino, who presented him the best director’s statue, for throwing Mikey Madison in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” He credited her role in that movie to her casting in “Anora,” which was made for $ 6 million.
Baker, who has only made indie films throughout his career, urged the industry to support the common experience of going to the theaters.
“We’re all here tonight and watching this broadcast because we love movies. Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the cinema watching a movie, he said. “Watching a movie in a theater with an audience is an experience. We can laugh together, cry together, scream and fight together, maybe sit in ruined silence together. And at a time when the world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever. “
“It is a common experience that you simply do not come home. And right now, the theater experience is being threatened, Baker continued. “Breasts, especially independently owned theaters, fights, and it is up to us to support them. During the pandemic, we lost almost 1,000 screens in the United States. And we continue to lose them regularly. If we do not reverse this trend, we will lose an important part of our culture. “
“This is my battle graot,” Baker said. “Filmmakers, continue to make movies for the big screen. I know I will do that. “
He encouraged film distributors to prioritize theater windows in front of streams and also urged parental leaders to keep the filming experience alive.
“Distributors, please focus first and foremost on the theater release of your films,” he said, crediting Neon, who supported “Anora”, to do it with his film.
“Parents present your children to play movies in cinemas, so you will shape the next generation of movie lovers and filmmakers,” continued Baker. “And for all of us, when we can watch movies in the theater and let’s keep the great tradition with the filming experience alive and well.”
The filmmaker finished his speech by thanking his mother for introducing him to the cinema when he was 5 years before he devoted Oscar to her: “Today is her birthday. Happy birthday, mom. I love you. Thanks for everything. This is for you. “
Baker’s speech comes on the heel of his indie -anda award speech To ask for the “unsustainable” indie film system to go through radical changes to stay alive.
“Anora” had one Big night at OscarsTakes home five statues, including best image, best actress for Madison, best film editing and best original script. Baker became The first person to win four Oscars Then Walt Disney. He and his wife, who produced partner Samantha Quan, also made history as The fourth married couple to win Oscar for best picture.
