Alex Coco ’12 and the cast and crew of Anora at the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars) at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
This year’s Academy Awards was a big night for Alex Coco ’12, producer of Anora, which won five Oscars, including best picture, best director, best actress, best original screenplay, and best editing. The film, a dark romantic comedy, had a budget of only $6 million, and was shot on location in New York City with approximately 40 crew members.
In his acceptance speech, Coco encouraged independent filmmakers. “If you’re trying to make independent films, please keep doing it,” he said. “We need more. This is proof.”
Coco will be back on campus for a screening of Anora and conversations with the Colgate community during Arts, Creativity, and Innovation weekend, April 3–5.
Read more about Coco in Colgate Magazine’s “40 Under 40” feature.