Independent Films Dominated the 2025 Oscars with ANORA Winning 5 Awards
The 2025 Oscars made history, with independent films dominating the night! ANORA — from the always-independent filmmaker Sean Baker who won the Maverick Award at the Woodstock Film Festival in 2008 for one of his first films PRINCE OF BROADWAY—swept five major awards. In total, seven of the seventeen films that were previously screened at the Woodstock Film Festival won thirteen Oscars! Huge congratulations to all the nominees and winners!
It was an unforgettable evening, celebrating the power of independent film, moving acceptance speeches, and well-deserved accolades for talented filmmakers.
Some of the night’s highlights (of films that have screened at the Woodstock Film Festival) include:
The visionary Sean Baker won five major awards—Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Film—for ANORA
The innovative EMILIA PEREZ received Best Original Song and Best Supporting Actress
The powerful and unmissable NO OTHER LAND received Best Documentary
The enchanting FLOW won Best Animated Film
The moving I’M STILL HERE received Best International Film
The evocative IN THE SHADOW OF CYPRESS earned Best Short Narrative Film
The deeply resonant A REAL PAIN received Best Supporting Actor
Photo by David Dugatkin
Meanwhile, we hosted our own sold-out Oscars celebration at Assembly Kingston, and what a night it was! We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended (and sincerely sorry to those we couldn’t accommodate), and to our hard-working staff, interns, and volunteers.
Heartfelt thanks to our generous event sponsors - Markertek, M&T Bank, and Hotel Kinsley, as well as our liquor sponsors—Deep Eddy Vodka, 1800 Tequila, and Great Jones Distillery. A special shoutout to UPWIFT for their kind support as well.
Photo by David Dugatkin
We’re still buzzing from the energy of the night and looking ahead to an exciting year—more events, public programming, and of course, another incredible 26th festival in the fall. We invite you to be part of this journey through your attendance, contributions (100% tax-deductible), and continued support.
Ways to stay involved:
Apply/Support our Fiscal Sponsorship program
Make a direct donation via PayPal
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Spread the word—invite friends and neighbors to join our community
Meet with Cynthia, our new development director —she’s eager to brainstorm ideas and hear your thoughts! Feel free to send her an email: cynthia@woodstockfilmfestival.org
Visit our SUPPORT page to make your tax-deductible contribution and help us champion independent film.
Photos by David Dugatkin and Ruby Zuckerman