The final Oscar voting period has begun, and the year of multiple contenders has finally found its frontrunner. For months, Hollywood has searched for its strongest best picture candidate. Now, with a sweep at the Critics Choice,

UPDATED with PGA win: Sean Baker won both the PGA Awards ‘ and DGA Awards ‘ top prizes for Neon’s Anora — on the same night. And if past statistics are a signifier of what’s to come, it is a major indicator for both the Oscars’ Best Director category as well as Best Picture.

“Anora” director Sean Baker, who hails from New Jersey, accepted the award by speaking about the importance of film writing, the moviegoing experience and local theaters. “So unexpected,” Baker, 53, said of the award.