Sean Baker and “Anora” were the big winners at the 97th Academy Awards, sweeping up major hardware and cementing Baker as the latest indie auteur to hit the mainstream jackpot.
With four Oscars to his name, you’d be forgiven for assuming Baker might take the Marvel/Disney bait like so many before him (Chloé Zhao, Barry Jenkins—we see you).
Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter’s It Happened in Hollywood podcast, Baker shut down any studio blockbuster talk as his potential next film. He’s staying indie.
“Don’t expect a Marvel film,” he said. “It’s not going to happen. I’m intentionally going to stay in the same wheelhouse and with the approximate same budget. I think that I enjoy working in this space of 100 percent independent.”
“I’m not working for even a mini studio,” he added. “I’m making my film independently and then going the old school route of hopefully a bidding war or somebody licensing the movie.”
Translation: Baker has zero interest in diluting his voice for a larger paycheck. He’s staying scrappy—and good luck to anyone trying to tell him otherwise.
A few months ago, Baker told the Ivy Film Festival that he and his wife, Samantha Quan, who co-produced “Anora,” had just returned from a trip where they were location scouting for his next project, and that if all went according to plan, a fall shoot could happen.
“Anora” was a wonderful addition to Baker’s filmography, which already included the likes of “Tangerine,” “The Florida Project,” and “Red Rocket.” Baker’s work carries a unique sense of freedom, vitality, and authenticity. From his use of non-professional actors to his dynamic camera work, his films offer a striking portrait of modern America. Whatever he does next, we will be watching very closely.
Remember when, back in August, we learned “The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth” would be playing in only around 350 U.S. theaters, "maybe fewer"? Well, it's fewer. A lot fewer.