Michael Barker is a film distributor and co-founder of Sony Pictures Classics. He was essential in introducing independent and foreign film to American consumers. Barker has contributed to a number of critically acclaimed movies, such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Ang Lee and Amour by Michael Haneke. Barker is one of the most admired and well-liked individuals in the global film industry thanks to his commitment to high-quality cinema and the support of up-and-coming directors. His movies have gained 173 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture nominations for Call Me by Your Name by Luca Guadagnino, Whiplash by Damien Chazelle, Midnight in Paris by Woody Allen, An Education by Leone Scherfig, and Capote by Bennett Miller.