Sean Baker has won best director at the Oscars for “Anora,” the story of a Brooklyn exotic dancer who marries the impetuous son of a Russian oligarch.

Sean Baker edits, directs and writes most of his films and has also served as producer and cinematographer for some. Wearing all of these hats paid off and led him to make history at the 2025 Oscars.

Baker wrote and directed the story of a Brooklyn sex worker, which was nominated for six Oscars at the 97th Academy Awards.