‘Anora’ Triumphs at 2025 Independent Spirit Awards with Three Major Wins

Sean Baker’s indie film ‘Anora’ takes home Best Feature, Best Director, and Best Lead Performance, solidifying its position as an Oscar frontrunner.

Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’ won Best Feature, Best Director, and Best Lead Performance for Mikey Madison at the 40th Independent Spirit Awards.
Baker, a vocal advocate for independent filmmaking, used his acceptance speech to highlight financial struggles in the indie film industry and call for systemic changes.
Mikey Madison, who plays the lead in ‘Anora,’ is also an Oscar nominee for Best Actress and expressed gratitude for the film’s recognition without speculating on her Academy Awards chances.
Jesse Eisenberg won Best Screenplay for ‘A Real Pain,’ thanking producer Emma Stone for her support and dubbing her his “fairy godmother.”
Netflix’s ‘Baby Reindeer’ dominated the TV categories, winning Best Lead, Supporting, and Breakthrough Performances, further cementing its critical acclaim.