Sean Baker’s Theatrical Crusade Marches On
In the aftermath of last year’s dominant performance of Barbenheimer in the cinematic world, with two major film titans leading the charge, and as we navigate an unpredictable movie landscape, the main discussion for this year’s awards season revolves around strategies that filmmakers can employ to ensure their films are watched, preferably in theaters. The criticism that the Oscars recognize movies that few people have seen is not a new one, but it has become more pertinent in the era of streaming. The heart of the matter lies in where and how these movies are viewed, as well as the degree to which directors can influence this. While not every director or nominated writer or actor uses awards season for self-promotion, Baker’s consistent focus on this issue has given this year’s awards ceremony a sense of urgency that resonates with many in the industry.