Oscars ceremony was full of standout moments — from the show’s powerful opening number featuring Wicked nominees Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo to Conan O’Brien’s hosting zingers — but the night was also filled with famous firsts.

Not only did Sean Baker win the Best Director for the night at the Oscars 2025, his movie Anora also bagged the Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards this year. Baker was a first time nominee in the category of Best Director and the film on the whole earned six nominations at the awards.

Sean Baker’s acclaimed dramedy dominated the 2025 Oscars ceremony, which also included emotionally searing acceptance speeches and high-energy musical numbers.