The film "Anora," directed by Sean Baker, won an Oscar in 5 categories, garnering admiration and positive reviews from critics. Tengri Life discusses what the film is about and how it managed to achieve the coveted statuette.
On Sunday evening, the film, which tells the story of a sex industry worker and her passionate romance with the son of a Russian oligarch, received five awards, including Best Picture. Sean Baker, who served as the writer, director, and editor of the film, became the second person in history to win four Oscars in one night, with Walt Disney being the first.
Best Actress Award for Anora
Mikey Madison, the lead actress in "Anora," unexpectedly won the Oscar for Best Actress. Previously, Demi Moore, the star of "Substance," was considered the frontrunner in this category, leading the awards race throughout the year and winning all major acting awards except for the BAFTA, which was awarded to Madison last month.
The film also triumphed in the categories of "Best Original Screenplay" and "Best Editing." Russian actor Yura Borisov, who played one of the roles in the film, was unable to take home the award for "Best Supporting Actor," which went to Kieran Culkin for his role in Jesse Eisenberg's film "A Real Pain."
What the Film Is About
Anora, a 23-year-old American of Uzbek descent, works as a stripper. One day, her client is Ivan—the young son of a Russian oligarch. Eny (as she prefers to call herself) understands Russian, and a relationship develops between her and Ivan that goes beyond the professional realm. Soon, impulsive Vanya decides to take Eny from New York to Las Vegas, where they unexpectedly get married.
However, their marriage proves to be short-lived. When Ivan's parents learn about the situation, they initially send their people—two amusing Armenians and a serious Russian "gopnik" (Yura Borisov)—to him. Later, the parents themselves fly to the U.S. Sensing a threat, Vanya disappears, leaving Eny to deal with the consequences alone.
Yura Borisov's Role in "Anora"
Following his nomination, Yura Borisov became a true star; there was much discussion online about how even Angelina Jolie showed interest in him. In the film, Borisov plays Igor—a "gopnik-fixer" tasked with managing the aftermath of this marriage at the behest of Ivan's parents. His character becomes pivotal at the film's conclusion, setting the tone for the entire resolution.
Film critics particularly highlight Borisov's performance, noting that his character resonated closely with the audience. Through his role, significant moral questions arise, prompting reflection on the nature of such stories and their perception.
Yura Borisov, nominated for an Oscar, drinking from a mug with a post about how his international career is over 👑 pic.twitter.com/8sBTrv6cHf
— Ñ. ‡ ŠH. (@luxurybitches) January 23, 2025
Why You Should Watch "Anora"
The film's success is easily explained: it features a vibrant and liberated (though perhaps only outwardly— the heroine's refusal to use her full name hints at internal struggles) protagonist from the lower class, caricatured and off-putting representatives of the elite, relatable humor, light sentimentality, and, of course, sex. All elements are perfectly balanced. Screenwriter and director Sean Baker, who has previously made films about sex workers, has perfected the form and tone.
The film is best viewed in English with original subtitles, as there are frequent phrases in Russian. Translating these phrases into Russian in dubbing or subtitles may seem odd, creating the effect of "translation from Russian to Russian." The original sound will preserve the atmosphere and enhance understanding of the authors' intent.
In conclusion, it can be confidently stated that the film succeeded due to its strong performances. Notably, the casting was brilliant—each actor fit perfectly into their role, creating a harmonious ensemble.
The author of the film took what seemed to be a banal fairy tale and managed to develop it in such a way that the story ultimately transcended the creator's initial vision. The film's ending remains open, raising questions. However, perhaps the issue is not that the author failed to provide answers, but rather that he could not correctly articulate the question itself, leaving the audience in contemplation.
Why "Anora" Might Not Appeal to Everyone
Some critics note that the film leaves an ambiguous impression. They point to an excessive number of intimate scenes that seem to be added unnecessarily, as if the creators do not trust the audience and aim to explain everything through visual cues.
There is also criticism regarding the insufficient development of characters. For instance, Igor, the silent bouncer who assists the Armenians working for the oligarch's family, has weakly defined motivations and character. His role is primarily action-driven rather than dialogue-driven, and only closer to the end does he get a chance to express himself. While the actor's performance is commendable, some question the basis for his nomination, emphasizing that portraying a silent character is also an art form.
The latter part of the film is overloaded with chaotic scenes where characters constantly shout, panic, and flail about without a clear purpose. Such episodes, likely intended as comedic, tend to irritate and exhaust viewers. Many admit to wanting to skip these moments to avoid wasting time on endless chaos and bickering among the characters.
Additionally, it is noted that many viewers struggle to feel sympathy for the characters. Anora, the main heroine, comes across as mercenary and foolish, making it difficult to empathize with her despite the challenging circumstances she faces.
Earlier, we reported on the Oscar winners for 2025. Details here.
