"There's a good chance you're making a film for free or making next to nothing on production or sale," the "Anora" filmmaker said while accepting Best Director

Anora Best Director Spirit Award winner Sean Baker championed indie cinema in his acceptance speech, exclaiming that it’s “struggling more than ever” with little pay for those who provide a cultural zeitgeist for Hollywood and cinema.

"I want to thank Sean Baker. All of this started with you. You are an incredible director, a wonderful friend, incredible chihuahua owner," she said "I'm so grateful that you came

Sean Baker’s “Anora” won best film, best director and best actor for Mikey Madison at the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday in what could be a preview of next Sunday’s Oscars.

After his sweep of the PGA and DGA awards, we catch up with the "Anora" writer-director in the upper offices of the Aero Theatre, where things seem a little surreal.

The Spirit Awards are an annual award given in the name of independent film, featuring all of the indie films which deserve honor and recognition - celebrating their 40th year. The 2025 winners of the Spirit Awards were announced Saturday evening,

Sean Baker, whose low-budget movie Anora is the frontrunner for next weekend's Oscars, delivered an impassioned plea to "keep indie film alive" as he won top prize at the Spirit Awards on Saturday.

Sean Baker's "Anora" is the new Oscars frontrunner after DGA, PGA and Critics Choice wins, and with final voting opening.