Mark Eydelshteyn and Mikey Madison as Ivan and Ani in Anora. Courtesy of NEON
Sean Baker’s Anora has made waves at the 2025 Oscars, earning him nominations in four major categories—Best Director, Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. This recognition places him among a select group of filmmakers who have received multiple nods for a single film in the same year.
A key factor in Anora’s success is Baker’s meticulous editing, which enhances the storytelling. The film, led by Mikey Madison, shifts seamlessly between different tones. It moves from romantic and energetic sequences to tense, thriller-like moments as the protagonist, Ani, attempts to escape a troubling situation.
Among all the scenes, one stands out for Baker—the marital-bliss montage. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter on nomination day, he revealed his fondness for this sequence, which follows Ani and Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn) on a whirlwind Las Vegas adventure after an unexpected proposal. The sequence captures their brief but exhilarating happiness before reality sets in.
“I had so much fun with that part,” Baker shared. “I rarely get to use music, but I was able to here. It felt like an homage to classic romantic comedies.” The scene is elevated by a standout music moment—a remix of Take That’s “Greatest Day” by Calum Scott and Robin Schulz.
As the song begins, Ani playfully shows Ivan her bare ring finger, saying, “Three carats.” What follows is a fast-paced montage of the couple eloping in a chapel and running through Vegas in their short-lived marital euphoria. Baker’s quick cuts and rapid transitions pull the audience into their wild night, making them feel like they’re along for the ride.
The competition in the editing category is tough, with Baker going up against Juliette Welfling (Emilia Pérez), Nick Emerson (Conclave), Myron Kerstein (Wicked), and Dávid Jancsó (The Brutalist). However, Baker has extensive experience in this area, having edited all eight of his films.
“I see editing as just as important as writing and directing,” he explained. “It’s literally a third of the process.” Laughing, he added, “I hope I don’t come across as a control freak—it’s just my way of working.”
With Anora receiving such critical acclaim, Baker’s creative vision and hands-on approach continue to set him apart in the industry. Whether he takes home an Oscar or not, his film has already left a lasting impact.
