I’ll admit it. I wasn’t expecting “Anora” to sweep the 97th Academy Awards with five wins. In fact, I had no expectations when I whimsically headed into a local screening of the film merely a couple of weeks before the ceremony. I ended up intoxicated by everything the movie had to offer and I’m happy to admit that by the time the credits rolled, I found myself rooting for it to take home every award possible.
“Anora” debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024 with resounding success, earning it the coveted Palme d’Or — the most prestigious accolade awarded to the director of the best feature film. Its theatrical release on Oct. 18 followed suit, netting a $46.2 million worldwide against a $6 million budget.
Directed by Sean Baker, the dramedy follows the eponymous Anora (Mikey Madison), a sharp-witted Brooklyn stripper whose life takes a sudden turn when she meets Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the carefree son of a powerful Russian oligarch. What starts as a whirlwind romance quickly sweeps Anora into a world of opulence far removed from her gritty reality. However, their fairy-tale fantasy is short-lived when Vanya’s domineering parents launch an all-out effort to break them apart.
I firmly believe the crowning achievement of Best Picture should be adorned by a film that dares to push boundaries, challenge conventions and leave an indelible mark on its audience. “Anora” is not just a modern-day Cinderella story — it’s a razor-sharp commentary on class, power and survival, wrapped in an uncanny hurricane of humor and heartbreak.
It's a story that made me feel a cornucopia of emotions I couldn’t begin to sort through, leaving me unsure whether to laugh, cry or just sit there in stunned silence. I had never seen a movie combine serious, gut-wrenching moments with screwball humor and raw emotions all at once, making it a true one-of-a-kind genre-bender.
Watching “Anora” felt like experimenting with a new acai bowl combination at your favorite place and realizing it’s exactly what you didn’t know you were craving.
While I loved “Dune: Part Two” and “The Brutalist,” as did a majority of others holding their breath for either to win during the Best Picture announcement, “Anora” triumphed in delivering the same level of narrative satisfaction, but with an added edge of raw intimacy and an unpredictable energy that made it feel truly alive and outstanding.
Heading into February, I thought Demi Moore was a sure shot for Best Actress. However, Mikey Madison’s performance was nothing short of a masterclass in character complexity, rightfully winning her the Best Actress Award. She effortlessly captured the emotional depth of Anora, balancing sardonic wit and heart-wrenching anguish with extraordinary nuance, making her struggles feel deeply personal yet universally relatable.
Her ability to portray the complexities of a lower-class woman caught between love, survival and her own sense of freedom was mesmerizing to watch. Whether she was delivering a snappy one-liner or exploring the more tender, emotional moments of the film, she commanded the screen with a performance that was both heartfelt and unapologetically bold.
Sean Baker’s triple win for Best Directing, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing was a testament to his exceptional vision, skill and immense care he poured into handcrafting “Anora.” His earlier works, such as “Tangerine” and “The Florida Project,” also focused on sex workers, offering a raw and compassionate look at their lives while highlighting their struggles and resilience.
Movies like “Captain America: Brave New World” are little more than a factory-line product.
His ability to navigate the many complex layers of “Anora” made sure every scene served the larger narrative while never losing sight of the intimate, personal moments that defined the characters. Whether in a tense standoff or a quiet reflection, Baker directed each sequence with precision, ensuring the emotional stakes were always at the forefront. What truly resonated with me was how Baker made the film feel profoundly human.
The screenplay was a delicate balancing act, weaving together sharp dialogue with poignant moments. Conversations in the film always teemed with authenticity and never felt out of place. The film seamlessly transitioned between moments of light-hearted comedy and intense drama, ensuring the emotional highs and lows felt organic rather than jarring. The character-driven narrative ensured the audience remained fully immersed in Anora’s chaotic world, where intense emotions and unpredictable situations often collided at lightning speed.
I, for one, am thrilled “Anora” got the recognition it deserves. With the film set to stream on Hulu starting March 17, I sincerely hope more people are drawn to it and get carried away in the same emotional journey I was on.
