Sean Baker. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

When Sean Baker took the stage to accept the Academy Award for Best Director, he took the opportunity to passionately encourage people to continue going to movie theaters.

“Where did we fall in love with the movies? At the movie theater. Watching a film in the theater with an audience is an experience,” Baker said. “In a time in which the world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever. It’s a communal experience you simply don’t get at home. Right now, the theater-going experience is under threat. Movie theaters, especially independently owned theaters, are struggling. It’s up to us to support them.”

Baker added that during the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 1,000 movie theaters in the United States went out of business.

“If we don’t reverse this trend, we will be losing a vital part of our culture.”

Baker concluded his speech with what he called his “battle cry.”

“Filmmakers, keep making films for the big screen. I know I will,” he said. “Distributors, please focus first on the theatrical releases of your films. Parents, introduce your children to feature films in movie theaters, and you’ll be molding the next generation of movie lovers and filmmakers. And for all of us, when we can, please watch movies.”