Los Angeles: The grand event of Oscars 2025 took place on March 2 at Ovation Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with the telecast airing in India on March 3. The prestigious awards honoured winners across various categories, including Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director. Among the notable winners, Sean Baker clinched the Best Director Award for his movie ‘Anora’.
While accepting the award, Baker delivered a heartfelt speech, addressing the uncertain future of movie theatres. He passionately stated, “We are all here tonight and watching this broadcast because we love movies. But where did our love for films begin? In movie theatres… watching films with an audience is a unique experience.”
Baker emphasized how the communal experience of watching movies in theatres creates a shared emotional connection, especially in times when the world feels divided. However, he warned that this experience is under threat, particularly for independent movie theatres struggling to survive.
He revealed alarming statistics, saying, “During the pandemic, the US lost 1,000 cinema screens, and we continue to lose them regularly. If this trend doesn’t change, we risk losing an essential part of our culture.”
The emotional appeal earned a thunderous round of applause from the audience, resonating deeply within the film industry.
As a self-proclaimed ‘Indie Film Lifer’, Baker has always supported emerging and innovative filmmakers, understanding the critical role of independent cinemas in nurturing fresh talent.
His film ‘Anora’ was a massive critical and commercial success, securing six Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actress (Mikey Madison). Baker also received recognition for Best Film Editing alongside his wife and producer, Samantha Quan.
Sean Baker’s emotional message at the Oscars 2025 serves as a wake-up call to preserve the cherished experience of movie theatres amid the digital streaming era.