Tisch alum Sean Baker won four Oscars for “Anora” at the 97th Academy Awards, sweeping best picture, best director, best original screenplay and best film editing.
“We’re all here tonight and watching this broadcast because we love movies,” Baker said in his acceptance speech for best director. “Right now, the theater-going experience is under threat. Movie theaters, especially independently owned theaters, are struggling and it’s up to us to support them.”
Accepting the award for best screenplay, Baker dedicated each of his awards to the cast and crew of the film before thanking members of the sex worker community for sharing their stories with him during the making of “Anora.” The film also clinched the Oscar for best actress, with Mikey Madison winning for her portrayal of Ani, before the film — co-produced by Tisch alum Samantha Quan — was crowned best picture by the end of the ceremony.
[Read more: NYFF 62 Review: If ‘Anora’ is a Cinderella story, the clock’s already struck midnight]
Paul Tazewell, another Tisch alum, took home the Oscar for best costume design for his work on “Wicked,” making history as the first Black man to ever accept the award. Tisch alum Matīss Kaža also won best animated feature film for “Flow” and Lisa Remington — another Tisch alum — won the Academy Award for best documentary short film for “The Only Girl in the Orchestra.” Together, five NYU alumni won a total of seven Oscars.
This year, the academy nominated 11 alumni and one adjunct faculty member across the Tisch School of the Arts, the School of Law, the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and the Gallatin School of Individualized Study. Among the NYU losses at the Oscars include Gallatin dropout Timothée Chalamet for his role as Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown” — a performance that was recently recognized at the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards. Gallatin alum Isabella Rossellini, nominated for her performance in “Conclave,” also lost to “Emilia Pérez” star Zoe Saldaña.
“I want to thank the academy for recognizing a truly independent film,” Baker said, accepting the award for best picture. “This film was made on the blood, sweat and tears of incredible indie artists. Long live independent film.”
Contact Yezen Saadah at [email protected].
