Sean Baker's Anora triumphed at the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, taking home best film, best director, and best actor for Mikey Madison.
This win could be a glimpse of what's to come at next Sunday’s Oscars. The film, which tells the story of a Brooklyn sex worker and her intense affair with a Russian oligarch’s son, has gained significant momentum in recent weeks as a major contender in the awards season, reports AP.
The Spirit Awards, held in a beachside tent in Santa Monica, California, is the shaggier, more irreverent sister to the Academy Awards, celebrating the best in independent film and television.
Host Aidy Bryant called it “Hollywood’s third or fourth biggest night.”
In accepting the directing prize, Baker spoke passionately about the difficulty of making independent films in an industry that is no longer able to fund riskier films. He said indies are in danger of becoming calling card films — movies made only as a means to get hired for bigger projects.
“The system has to change because this is simply unsustainable,” Baker said to enthusiastic applause. “We shouldn't be barely getting by.”
“Anora’s” best film competition included Jane Schoenbrun’s psychological horror “I Saw the TV Glow,” RaMell Ross’ adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s “Nickel Boys,” Greg Kwedar’s incarceration drama “Sing Sing” and Coralie Fargeat’s body horror “The Substance.”
At the Independent Spirit Awards, several Oscar contenders were celebrated. Kieran Culkin won best supporting performance for A Real Pain, while Jesse Eisenberg took home best screenplay for the film. Mikey Madison won best actor, beating Demi Moore, and No Other Land won best documentary. Flow, a Latvian animated film, was named best international film. Baby Reindeer earned multiple acting awards, and Natasha Rothwell’s How to Die Alone won best ensemble. The ceremony also addressed the impact of LA wildfires and honored the late Josh Welsh, Film Independent president.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
