Anora: The Indie Film That Swept the 2025 Oscars
What is Anora About?
Anora is a genre-blending romantic comedy-drama directed by Sean Baker. The film follows Anora “Ani” Mikheeva (played by Mikey Madison), a young sex worker from Brooklyn who speaks both English and Russian fluently. She dances at a strip club while also working as an escort to make ends meet.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Vanya Zakharov (Mark Eydelshteyn), the spoiled but kind-hearted son of a Russian oligarch. The two embark on a whirlwind romance that leads to an impulsive wedding in Las Vegas. However, their fairy-tale love story is quickly threatened when Vanya’s powerful family in Russia learns about the marriage. As Ani’s dream of a better life collides with the harsh realities of wealth and power, the film takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster filled with drama, humor, and heartbreak.
Blending elements of romantic comedy, thriller, and social commentary, Anora is being described as an *anti-*Pretty Woman—challenging Hollywood’s traditional take on Cinderella stories while offering a raw, unfiltered perspective on relationships, class struggles, and personal agency.
Who Stars in Anora?
Anora features a talented cast, blending fresh faces with experienced actors:
- Mikey Madison (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Scream) as Anora "Ani" Mikheeva
- Mark Eydelshteyn as Vanya Zakharov
- Yura Borisov (Compartment No. 6)
- Karren Karagulian (The Florida Project, Red Rocket)
- Vache Tovmasyan
- Aleksei Serebryakov (Leviathan, McMafia)
Related: The 2025 Oscars: A Night of Surprises and Triumphs
Mikey Madison’s performance as Ani has been widely praised, with many calling it a career-defining role. Her nuanced portrayal of a tough yet vulnerable protagonist helped her win the Best Actress Oscar, an upset over Demi Moore (The Substance), who was the expected frontrunner.
When Was Anora Created?
Anora was filmed in 2023 and premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2024. It received rave reviews from critics and took home the prestigious Palme d’Or, making it the first American film to win the award since The Tree of Life in 2011.
Following its Cannes success, Anora was released theatrically in the United States on October 18, 2024. The film slowly gained traction, becoming a major awards season contender.
By the time the 97th Academy Awards took place in March 2025, Anora had established itself as a serious threat to big-budget competitors like Dune: Part Two and Wicked. Ultimately, it won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Sean Baker), Best Actress (Mikey Madison), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.
Sean Baker’s incredible Oscar haul tied him with Walt Disney’s record for the most Academy Awards won by a single person in one night.
Where Can You Watch Anora?
Since Anora was released in UK cinemas in November 2024, it is now available for streaming and digital purchase.
- In the United States, the film is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.
- In the United Kingdom, viewers can rent Anora for £4.99 or purchase it for £11.99 on Prime Video.
Physical copies of Anora (Blu-ray and DVD) are also expected to be released in the coming months for collectors and cinephiles.
Why Anora is a Game-Changer for Independent Film
One of the most remarkable aspects of Anora is its modest $6 million budget—a fraction of what most Hollywood blockbusters cost. By comparison, nominees like Wicked and Dune: Part Two had budgets exceeding $150 million.
Despite its indie roots, Anora went toe-to-toe with massive studio films and came out on top. Sean Baker, who has always been a champion of independent filmmaking (Tangerine, The Florida Project, Red Rocket), used his Oscar acceptance speech to highlight the importance of indie cinema, ending with the powerful statement:
“Long live independent film!”
The film’s success signals a shift in Hollywood, proving that compelling storytelling, strong performances, and creative direction can outshine big budgets and CGI-heavy productions.
Final Thoughts
Anora is more than just an Oscar-winning film—it’s a bold, thought-provoking story that challenges conventional romantic narratives. With an unforgettable lead performance, an emotionally charged script, and a director at the top of his game, it’s no surprise that Anora has become one of the most talked-about films of the year.
Whether you’re a fan of indie cinema or just looking for an unconventional love story, Anora is a must-watch.
