Sean Baker’s 2024 filmAnorahas become one of the most popular and buzzworthy films of the year following its May release at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Palme d’Or, and its October 2024 theatrical release. The film followsAnora Mikheeva ( referred to as Ani throughout), a stripper who decides to marry the son of a Russian oligarch but finds herself in a much more complicated situation than expected byAnora’s ending.Anoraprovides a complex portrayal of very different people, giving insight into their real feelings and actions, and humanizing the fictional characters throughout.
After its strong initial reception and nominations for other awards,Anorahas received a lot of Oscars buzzfor multiple categories.Anoracurrently holds a 94% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes with audience approval standing at 90%, showing the movie’s popularity across the board. Likewise, the film was much more financially successful than could have been expected from its $6 million budget and six-theater initial opening, grossing an impressive $30.2 million so far (viaBox Office Mojo).
How Many Oscars Nominations & Wins Could Anora End Up With?
Anora Could Receive Several Nominations & It Has A Chance To Win
Based on the film’s success at Cannes and in various critics circles,Anorahas a strong chance of being nominated in several Oscars categories. Currently,Anoraseems likely to be nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay, and potentially Best Film Editing at the 2025 Oscars, an impressive feat considering the movie’s humble budget and beginnings as well as director Sean Baker’s snubs in previous years.
Anora Cast & Character Guide
Anora is the latest movie from Sean Baker, and its cast includes a mixture of Russian and American actors who have interesting backgrounds.
Beyond just being nominated,Anoraalso has a strong chance of winning in several categories.Anorais currently considered one of the front-runners for Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Original Screenplay. Given Mikey Madison’s fantastic performance as Ani,Madison is more than deserving of the Best Actress nomination. Likewise, the beauty and emotion behind the film make it a worthy contender for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, though many of its competitors are just as impressive, making it a tight race.
Anora’s Oscars Success Is Good After The Florida Project Being Snubbed
Sean Baker’s 2017 Movie Did Not Receive Nearly As Much Attention As Anora Is Getting
Prior toAnora, Sean Baker directed the 2017 filmThe Florida Project, which, despite receiving acclaim upon its release, never garnered the same level of attention asAnorahas gotten.The Florida Projectcurrently sits at a 96% critics' approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is considered one of the best films of 2017. However,aside from Willem Dafoe’s Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor,The Florida Projectreceived no other Oscar nominations.
Willem Dafoe certainly deserved the nomination for his performance, but the movie could have also been nominated for Best Picture and Best Screenplay alongside his Best Supporting Actor. WhileThe Florida Projectwas praised for its direction, plot, and performances and received attention from numerous critics circles, and awards ceremonies, its lack of attention at the Oscars can be made up for byAnora’s success. With the buzz currently surrounding the movie and its high probability of winning at least one Oscar,Anoracan finally draw attention to some of Baker’s impressive past work as well.
Anora
Cast
Anora’s life takes a dramatic twist when she impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, catapulting her from the streets of Brooklyn to a world of opulence and scrutiny. As her new in-laws arrive with plans to dismantle the hasty union, Anora must navigate the cultural and social chasms between her past and her present. The film, directed by Sean Baker, masterfully blends sharp social commentary with heartfelt drama, painting a vivid picture of love, identity, and the unexpected consequences of a fairytale gone awry.
The Florida Project
The Florida Project is a drama film that follows a six-year-old girl named Moone and her mother, Halley, as they attempt to enjoy life to their fullest and make ends meet in the Disney-dominated county of Kissimmee, Florida. Halley and Moonee’s lives are fraught with distress while living in a motel. However, Moonee befriends another child in the motel while her mother struggles to keep them above water and hold on to her daughter as the risk of protective services taking her grows ever larger.
