Anora, the film directed by Sean Baker, dominated the 97th Academy Awards, winning five Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. It’s an extraordinary achievement for an independent film that managed to stand out thanks to its authenticity and narrative strength.
The film tells the story of Anora Mikheeva, a young stripper in New York who impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, played by Mark Ėjdel’štejn. It explores the dynamics of their relationship and the stark contrast between the worlds they come from, offering a reflection on the illusions and disillusionments tied to power and wealth. Anora is, above all, a profane love story, where passion and desire collide with the reality of a bond shaped by financial interests, cultural differences, and a subtle power struggle.
Baker, known for his raw realism and deeply human storytelling (The Florida Project, Red Rocket), crafts a film that blends tension, irony, and social drama. His direction, favoring a semi-documentary style and a spontaneous aesthetic, makes the story even more vivid and immersive.
Mikey Madison delivers a magnetic performance, capturing both the vulnerability and determination of her character. Her portrayal has been compared to those of great cinema icons, highlighting her ability to convey every emotional nuance with authenticity. The film has also been praised for its sharp writing and the dynamic editing, which sustains the narrative’s rhythm and emotional impact.
While Anora has been celebrated for its authenticity and its intimate portrayal of sex work, it has not been without criticism. Some viewers and critics pointed out that, despite avoiding easy stereotypes, the film doesn’t entirely escape a certain aestheticization of precariousness. Additionally, while the protagonist’s character is powerful, at times it feels more functional to the story than fully developed in depth.
Despite these observations, Anora’s success represents a significant recognition for independent cinema, reaffirming Baker’s ability to depict contemporary stories with sensitivity and authenticity. After its triumphant debut at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Palme d’Or, the film continued its journey, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing $41 million worldwide on a modest $6 million budget.
With this film, Sean Baker reinforces his role as a filmmaker capable of giving voice to marginalized characters while maintaining the empathetic and profoundly human touch that defines his cinema. Anora is not just an award-winning film but a work destined to leave a lasting impact.