Did the Oscars forget Sean Baker's controversial past? 'Anora' director faces backlash over 'movie grooming' scandal

Sean Baker might be basking in Oscar glory after his latest film Anora swept four trophies at the 2025 Academy Awards, but movie fans are not ready to forget the unsettling shadow lurking in his filmography. The celebrated director is facing fresh backlash over his 2017 film Red Rocket, with critics accusing him of normalizing child grooming under the guise of dark comedy.

Baker, known for his raw portrayals of society's fringes, is facing renewed scrutiny as social media users point out the disturbing storyline of Red Rocket. The film follows washed-up porn star Mikey Saber (played by Simon Rex) as he attempts to lure 17-year-old donut shop worker Strawberry (Suzanna Son) into the adult film industry — a plotline many found deeply uncomfortable.

According to a report from Radar Online, while Red Rocket was praised in some circles for its sharp social commentary, others found its depiction of predatory behavior unforgivable.

“The Academy seems to have forgotten Red Rocket, where Baker tried to make us feel sorry for a child abuser,” one furious fan posted online. “That wasn't entertainment. It was just plain wrong.”

A Grooming Plot in Disguise?

Baker has often cited his admiration for Italian erotic and sexploitation films of the 1970s, claiming they influenced Red Rocket. But many viewers felt the movie crossed the line between artistic exploration and outright glamorization of predatory behavior.

One film critic described the movie as "disgusting," accusing Baker of luxuriating in Mikey's sleazy obsession with Strawberry.

“The humor and sleaze clash catastrophically with the film's darker themes,” they wrote. “It leaves you wondering what message Baker was really trying to send.”

Oscars Oversight or Industry Blind Spot?

While Baker’s Anora has been hailed as a triumph, winning Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress, the lingering controversy around Red Rocket has cast a shadow over his victory lap.

“Hollywood loves a redemption story,” one industry insider remarked, “but this feels like a willful case of selective memory.”

As Baker enjoys his moment in the spotlight, the internet remains divided — celebrating his cinematic achievements while questioning whether the film industry is once again turning a blind eye to troubling narratives for the sake of art.

Whether Baker addresses the backlash or lets it fade into the background, one thing is certain — not all moviegoers are ready to forgive and forget.