‘Anora’ Palme D’Or Winner Sean Baker On The Plight Of Theatrical: “Discouraging” But Sees “A Rising Film Culture”

Sean Baker is concerned about the future of cinemas. He hopes that his Palme D’Or winner ‘Anora’ will help.

By Anthony D’Alessandro

May 25, 2024 11:16 PM

In accepting the Palme d’Or today for his latest movie Anora , Sean Baker gave a shoutout for the survival of cinema.

The Cannes Film Festival awards ceremony, he told the press that the film is “certainly one step toward helping” theaters.

“You will see theaters closing all day, unfortunately. I am following a feed on Twitter on theaters closing,” reflected Baker on the demise of theatre, “I grew up going to the movies I grew up going to theaters. That’s where I’d like to see my films presented as filmmakers.”

“(It’s) very discouraging when I see this,” said Baker regarding the current condition of cinema “It’s very scary.”

There’s a little optimism per Baker: “I see a increasing interest in film across New York, Los Angeles, Austin, and San Francisco. I’ve seen young people wanting to go see movies in theaters.”

“This isn’t exactly a mainstream movie,” Baker said Baker about his latest film which features a stripper played the more popular ThingsMikey Madison who weds an Russian Oligarch’s son. “Hopefully it reminds mainstream audiences that these films still exist.”

In light of his Russian large casting, Baker was asked whether Anorawas receiving the release he was promised in Russia.

He said, “Hard question for me to respond to the embargo. We aren’t sure. Let’s look into the future.”

Anora repped domestic distributor NEON’s fifth Palme d’Or winner in a row. The film is fresh at 96% and is listed on Rotten Tomatoes with reviews.