Want to See Next Year’s Oscar Winner? It’s Probably at the Mill Valley Film Festival

by Bernard Boo

2 weeks ago

Sean Baker and Mikey Madison for "Anora" at MVFF 47.

*Sean Baker and Mikey Madison for “Anora” at MVFF 47. Photo by Tommy Lau*

Anora by Tommy Lau — *Sean Baker and Mikey Madison for “Anora” at MVFF 47. Photo by Tommy Lau*

The MVFF’s programming is always stellar, from top to bottom. Whether you get gussied up and walk the red carpet on your way to one of the festival’s star-studded “big nights,” or you pop into a smaller screening on a whim only to have your mind blown by a film you’d never heard of, the films are always meticulously curated and high quality, through and through.

There is no better proof of the festival programmers’ immaculate taste than the fact that in its 48-year history, films featured at MVFF have won over 175 Academy Awards in major categories. The festival has earned the reputation of being an awards season predictor of sorts, featuring films that go on to win big at the Oscars.

Last year, for example, MVFF spotlighted Mikey Madison’s breakthrough performance in Sean Baker’s Anora, which went on to win a whopping five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress. While some didn’t see the film’s domination at the Oscars coming, MVFF festivalgoers were anything but surprised.

Odds are, if you attend MVFF48, you’re going to be watching the films everyone will be buzzing about during awards season – just months ahead of everyone else. And ahead of this year’s festival, here’s a quick reminder of MVFF’s winning record for featuring films, actors, actresses and directors who go on to win big at the Oscars.