Discover Samantha Quan’s path from a small-town romance movie star to Oscar award-winning producer.
Once graced a romantic comedy screen, an Oscar winner did you know?
Along with Alex Coco and her partner Sean Baker, recent Oscar winner Samantha Quan just won the Best Picture honor for Anora at the 2025 Oscars on March 2.
Quan enchanted viewers with her early part in the acclaimed 2003 romance comedy How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, before her producing successes.
For long-time readers, her portrayal as Lori—a smart, eccentric journalist for the fictitious magazine Composure—remains a charming highlight.
Interested in Lori’s eccentric addition to that venerable movie?
In a scenario when she presents daring, surprising article ideas to their supervisor, Lana, represented by Bebe Neuwirth, this unforgettable character offered humor and light.
In a lighthearted monologue, Lori juggles concepts ranging from “What your ggyno won’t tell you,” to “beginner botox tips,” each presented with an unexpectedly happy twist despite the sad topic.
Fans of one Instagram account, Lizzie Logan, were quick to say they loved Quan’s exceptional performance and marveled at how she deftly lightened hard circumstances with her delivery.
Ever pondered how prior performances of an actor impact their career?
Quan added to her career with roles in many TV dramas like CSI: NY, CSI: Miami, NCIS: Los Angeles, Castle, and Elementary after her appearance in this venerable romance film.
From performing to behind-the-scenes magic, she co-produced noteworthy films like The Florida Project, Red Rocket, and the feature Anora in addition to Baker’s short film Snowbird.
This path from actor to highly regarded producer is evidence of her adaptability and lifelong love of narrative.
Do you see magic in her producing successes?
At the Oscars, Anora had great success winning Original Screenplay, Film Editing, Directing, and Actress in a Leading Role for Mikey Madison.
Not only did Sean Baker write but also directed the movie; he broke records by tying Walt Disney in Oscar victories and became the first to get four Oscars for one movie at one event.
With its mix of fairytale romance and dramatic family intervention, Anora’s gripping story—which centers on a young Brooklyn sex worker caught in a swirling affair with the son of a Russian oligarch—thills audiences.
Wonder when you will be able to see this gripping movie?
Beginning its streaming adventure on Monday, March 17, Anora brings viewers into a vivid universe where love, dangers, and unanticipated difficulties abound.
Hulu The exciting plot and unforgettable characters in the movie offer a unique and captivating watching experience.
Samantha Quan’s remarkable development from on-screen star to a visionary producer highlights a career distinguished by its audacious decisions and artistic innovations.
Anora & Quan – Quick Facts
- Early Role Star: Samantha Quan delighted as Lori in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
- Quan’s producing Anora won Best Picture in the 2025 Oscars.
- Diverse Career: moved from performing in critically praised movies to successful TV programs.
- With four Oscars for the same movie, Sean Baker created history.
- Plot of Anora combines dramatic family intervention with fairytale love.