In film speak, $6 million dollars is a spit in the ocean.
For Samantha Quan and her husband Sean Baker, it was enough to create magic and earn their little movie Anora a combined five Oscars Sunday, including best picture.
Quan who hails from Canada produced the film with her director/editor and writing husband Sean Baker
“I don’t know how this could be real life,” said Quan about her independent film. “We made this with very little money, but all of your hearts. To all the dreams and young filmmakers out there, tell the stories you want to tell. Tell the stories that move you. I promise you will never regret it.”
Anora is a dramedy about sex workers.
Quan and Baker, who shared the award with their fellow producer partner, Alex Coco, are the second husband and wife team to win best picture in two years.
As The Wrap reminds us, last year spouses Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas took the prize for Oppenheimer.
“It can get a little overwhelming because what’s happening now is even bigger than the dreams I ever imagined,” the tearful Quan told CBC prior to the Oscars about her sudden fame.
“I feel like a kid going to Disneyland and just being like, ‘Oh my gosh. I can’t believe I’m here. It’s so shiny and crazy.'”
Her husband Baker also had a night to remember. Not only did he win a best picture Oscar, he was also recognized for director, writing and editing becoming the first person to win four Oscars for the same film.
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