At the 2025 Academy Awards, the film Anora, directed by Sean Baker, stood out as the night’s biggest victor, grabbing the prestigious Best Film award along with several other accolades. The critically acclaimed production, which explores complex themes around class and privilege, was also celebrated for its compelling lead performance by Mikey Madison, who secured the Best Actress Oscar.
Anora centers on the life of Anora, portrayed by Madison, who is depicted as a stripper caught between her chaotic world and the wealthy, sheltered life of Vanya, played by Nikolai Zakharov, the son of a Russian oligarch. Their whirlwind romance, characterized by extravagant moments filled with sex and parties, eventually leads to marriage under the bright lights of Las Vegas. Yet, their fairy tale is threatened when Vanya's parents learn of their union, prompting them to race against time to annul the marriage.
The film's narrative tackles issues of economic disparity and social invisibility, showcasing Baker's ability to blend humor with poignant storytelling. Critics have praised Madison’s portrayal of Anora, noting her emotional depth and captivating screen presence. Nicholas Barber from the BBC stated, “Anora é vibrante e repleta de momentos para dar boas risadas, mas não é recomendada para pessoas com pressão alta,” emphasizing the film's energetic yet sensitive exploration of life’s challenges.
With six nominations during the Oscars, Anora also received accolades for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director, showcasing Baker's distinctive vision and storytelling prowess. Damon Wise from Deadline noted, “A grande estrela do espetáculo é Mikey Madison, que se entrega de corpo e alma ao papel de Ani, uma personagem desorientada e confusa,” highlighting Madison's immersive performance.
Critics like David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter have remarked on the film’s intricacies, stating, “Anora é uma obra muito satisfatória, abordando com habilidade questões de classe, privilégio e desigualdade econômica.” This sentiment was echoed across several reviews, showcasing the film's cultural relevance and the discourse it ignites around social issues.
Richard Lawson from Vanity Fair complemented Baker’s directorial approach, stating, “Baker está adotando um tom e ritmo cômico mais acessível, o que combina bem com ele, mesmo que se sinta falta de um pouco da sua ousadia anterior.” This combination of humor and seriousness allows viewers to engage with the story deeply, experiencing the highs and lows alongside the characters.
David Ehrlich from IndieWire described the film as having “a força visceral” with emotional urgency, saying, “a força visceral que ‘Anora’ consegue gerar entre a urgência coletiva dos seus personagens e o aperto inescapável de suas aspirações acaba desembocando com tanta intensidade que pode te esmagar na cadeira.” Such observations reveal the film’s capability to connect with audiences, pulling them directly at the core of its story.
Chase Hutchinson from Collider described Anora as one of the most honest portrayals of modern life's fragility, he said, “Sem nunca abrir mão do seu tom cômico, o filme se transforma em um dos retratos mais honestos e, ao mesmo tempo, emocionantes da profunda fragilidade do nosso mundo moderno.”
Baker’s unflinching outlook on human emotions resonates well through the film, showcasing both the joy and chaos of life. Lex Briscuso from IGN Movies stated, “Baker vai direto ao coração das emoções — e, graças à sua ousadia como cineasta, este filme, o melhor de sua carreira, em toda a sua grandiosidade esmagadora e caótica, exige ser vivido intensamente.” This encapsulates the gravity and experience of Anora, representing not just entertainment but also deep reflection.
Yasmine Kandil from Discussing Film concluded with praise for the storytelling, saying, “Uma jornada agitada onde os momentos de êxtase e desespero são vividos de forma visceral.” This interplay of emotions forms the essence of Anora and its ability to capture audiences’ hearts.
With mixed but overall positive reception, Anora has cemented itself as not only one of the year’s best films but also as a conversation starter about the socio-economic landscapes it portrays. Its sweeping wins at the Oscars signify not just recognition for its craft but also for the issues it brings to light. Audiences and critics alike await what Sean Baker and his talented cast will deliver next as they continue to leave impactful marks on the cinematic scene.