Sean Baker made history at the 2025 Academy Awards, becoming the first filmmaker ever to win four Oscars for a single film. His feature, Anora, took home Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing, cementing Baker’s place in Oscars history and solidifying his reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary cinema. With this achievement, Baker joins Walt Disney as one of only two individuals to win four Academy Awards in a single night—though Baker’s feat is unique in that all four wins were for his work on Anora alone.

The victory marks a major moment for independent filmmaking, as Anora, a character-driven drama, stood out in a field dominated by big-budget contenders. Known for his intimate, socially conscious storytelling and his ability to capture the raw authenticity of everyday life, Baker’s hands-on approach—from directing to editing—was key to the film’s success. His unprecedented sweep at the Oscars underscores the power of independent cinema and affirms his place as a filmmaker at the top of his craft.