Baker expressed gratitude during his acceptance speeches, noting the difficulties of producing a $6 million film shot on film in New York City.

During his acceptance of the Outstanding Directorial Achievement Award, Baker shared feelings of imposter syndrome and thanked his cast, crew, and producers for their support.

The competitive award season has seen various films, including 'The Brutalist' and 'Emilia Pérez,' vying for best picture, but 'Anora' has regained significant momentum.

As Oscar voting begins on February 10, 2025, 'Emilia Pérez' leads with 13 nominations, despite facing backlash that may affect its chances.

With his recent accolades, Baker is now favored for Best Director at the upcoming Oscars, competing against other first-time nominees.

The event also highlighted the impact of January's wildfires in Los Angeles, announcing a fund to assist those affected and urging studios to return productions to the area.

The PGA Awards are considered crucial for Oscar predictions, as their membership closely mirrors that of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Sean Baker's film 'Anora' has emerged as a frontrunner for the Oscars after winning top honors at both the Producers Guild Awards and the Directors Guild Awards on February 8, 2025.

'Anora' has garnered six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress, and previously won the prestigious Palme d'Or at Cannes.

Despite earlier buzz, 'Anora' faced challenges after not winning any awards at the Golden Globes, leading to speculation about whether it had peaked too soon.

The awards ceremony attracted numerous celebrities, including Hiroyuki Sanada, Dylan Mulvaney, and Jesse Eisenberg, showcasing a diverse range of talent.