Final Oscar Voting Begins: How ‘Anora’ and Sean Baker Became the New Frontrunners
variety.comClayton Davis Senior Awards Editor The final Oscar voting period has begun, and the year of multiple contenders has finally found its frontrunner.
For months, Hollywood has searched for its strongest best picture candidate. Now, with a sweep at the Critics Choice, Directors Guild of America and Producers Guild of America awards, Sean Baker’s “Anora” has emerged as the film to beat.
The one-two punch of a DGA and PGA win has historically been a strong indicator of Oscar success. Since the co-existence of both guilds in 1994, only six films have lost best picture at the Oscars after securing both prizes: “Apollo 13” (1995), “Saving Private Ryan” (1998), “Brokeback Mountain” (2005), “Gravity” (2013), “La La Land” (2016) and “1917” (2019).
The $6 million indie about an outer-borough sex worker has stood out in a field of blockbusters, biopics and musicals. It’s one of only two Oscar nominees with a perfect precursor record, earning nominations from every major guild and securing key Oscar nods.
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