Anora has won the role of best original screenplay in the Academy Awards, with the film’s writer-director Sean Baker receiving the honor.

A romance-thriller centered on a lapdancer who spontaneously marries a Russian playboy, Anora features Mikey Madison and Mark Eydelshteyn in leading roles. It marks Baker’s eighth feature film, following his debut with the microbudget indie Four Letter Words in 2000 and Tangerine, which contributed to his breakthrough in 2015 as a drama about trans sex workers shot on iPhones.

The award is a first for Baker in his career; he is also nominated for three other Oscars this year: best picture, best director, and best editing. Baker expressed gratitude towards his cast, crew, and “the sex worker community,” emphasizing the stories and life experiences shared with him over the years.

Baker excelled against a formidable competition, including candidates Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold for The Brutalist, Jesse Eisenberg for A Real Pain, and Coralie Fargeat for The Substance. Anora has garnered several accolades this season, including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the best original screenplay award from the Writers Guild of America.

The 97th Academy Awards are being held in Los Angeles, California.

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