Cannes 2024: Sean Baker wins Palme d'Or award for Anora

Director Sean Baker has won the prestigious Palme d'Or for his film Anora at the Cannes Film Festival.

Greta Gerwig announced the award while George Lucas presented it. Upon receiving the award, the filmmaker said, "I don't know what is happening right now. I want to thank the jury. I am shaken and teary. I am still in disbelief. To my fellow filmmakers, I am honoured to be in your company. My incredible cast and crew, thank you so much I love you. This award has been my singular goal for the past 30 years."

He also thanked his wife for her support and added that the award is a tribute for all sex workers "past, present and future."

Mikey Madison stars as the titular Anora, a stripper who finds herself married to a Russian oligarch and must fend off his parents who are keen for an annulment.

This film marks Baker's second time at Cannes festival following his 2021 film Red Rocket. He previously made the film The Florida Project (2017). Interestingly, all three films are based on sex workers.