Curry Barker is still trying to process the success of Obsession. The writer-director says his sudden rise in Hollywood does not feel real yet. Even earning a place on the TIME100 Next 2026 list has not made the film’s success sink in.
Curry Barker reacts to fame and his TIME100 Next honor
Barker opened up about his newfound fame during an interview with PEOPLE at the TIME100 Next Gala in New York City on Oct. 29.
“It happens so fast, there’s no way for it to settle in,” he said.
Barker admitted that his new level of fame still feels “super fake” and that “everything’s a blur.”
The honor also came with praise from Seth Rogen, who wrote Barker’s TIME100 Next tribute. Rogen called Obsession a “cultural phenomenon” and praised Barker’s upcoming film, Anything But Ghosts.
That public support meant a great deal to Barker. He told PEOPLE that hearing Rogen praise his work was one of the best moments of his life.
The recognition marks a major change from where Barker stood a year ago. At the time, he hoped Obsession might earn between $10 million and $20 million at the box office.
However, the $750,000 horror movie went on to gross $523 million worldwide. According to PEOPLE, it became the highest-grossing film ever made for less than $1 million.
Obsession has also entered awards-season conversations. The film joined the Golden Globes race in the musical or comedy category, giving its campaign an unexpected twist.
Focus Features is reportedly campaigning for Barker in the Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing categories at the Oscars. The studio’s awards campaign also includes a Best Actress push for Inde Navarrette.
Despite the recognition, Barker is still adjusting to his newfound fame. Just a year ago, he hoped his independent horror film would turn a profit. Now, he is a TIME100 Next honoree with a record-breaking box office hit and a major awards campaign behind him.
