“Anora” won Best Picture at the Oscars. And Best Actress. And Best Directing. And Best Screenplay. And Best Editing.
Believe me, I’ve read enough think pieces, Film Twitter complaints and watched enough video essays to know that not everyone wanted Sean Baker’s film to win so many awards this season.
One of my first opinions for The Occidental was that I was losing faith in independent film — this was coming out of “Barbenheimer Summer,” of course — but the success of films like “Anora” have given me a renewed sense of hope. Its success signifies an enthusiasm for independent filmmaking on the Hollywood stage.
I know what you’re thinking. Low budget? Independent? Anora was still $6 million to make, and the acclaimed distribution company Neon distributed it. But, six million is considered pretty low in high-scale films. For instance, last year’s Best Picture winner, “Oppenheimer,” had a $100 million budget. “Anora” is only the second Best Picture win for Neon, the first being “Parasite.”
Baker had his moment to shine as well, making history at the awards show by being the first person to win four awards in one night since Walt Disney. He had never received a nomination for an Oscar for any of his previous films. This accomplishment is especially impressive when you realize the movie about a sex worker is getting critical acclaim from the general population, hopefully destigmatizing the profession and making space for more stories about this group of people.
“Anora” didn’t have any big actors driving its audiences to the theaters; people were just genuinely interested in seeing it. Mikey Madison’s Oscar win was exciting, especially in Hollywood, where casting favors those with larger existing followings to be cast in bigger films. In a recent interview from actress Maya Hawke, she revealed that casting directors are starting to care more about their actor’s existing social media followings and that may determine the success of a new project. If we focus on existing followings instead of talent, the film industry will become another side gig for millionaire influencers and not a valued industry.
The film’s success should be a beacon of hope for up-and-coming artists that their independent films can be successful — something film studios should also take note of. Moviegoers are excited about fresh stories, even if they don’t necessarily like the movie itself. Everyone I’ve talked to about “Anora” since its winter release has wanted to discuss it at length. Those conversation-starters are the types of films that excite me about the industry’s future.
I totally understand those who criticize the film — some art is not for everyone. But one has to recognize that it is a big accomplishment for this film to have gotten this amount of attention.
This year’s films are already proving to follow in the footsteps of films like “Anora.” People are excited about movies like Bong Joon Ho’s “Mickey 17″ or “Opus,” the new film starring Ayo Edebiri. These are not films that come out of a large franchise or feature stars with strong followings; instead, they have artists that people are excited to see in new work.
One movie-watching goal I have for this coming year is to truly try to support independent film as much as possible. This goal might mean seeking out the movies that are not advertised all over my social media or seeing the ones that have directors and actors I’m unfamiliar with. It will also mean going to the movie theater more, as we should all do to encourage distribution companies to have more theatrical releases. Take Baker’s speech at the awards show for inspiration.
While the Oscars can feel pointless — and Oscar campaigns are brutally expensive — the awards show signifies what audiences are interested in, even if it might not be for everyone. With more awards and critical acclaim for independent films, I’m hopeful for the future.
Contact Eliana Joftus at joftus@oxy.edu
