Anora—a film directed by Sean Baker and distributed by Neon—recently made headlines by winning multiple awards at the 2025 Oscars, cementing its place as one of the year’s most celebrated films. Garnering the coveted award for Best Picture, Anora also took home trophies for Best Directing, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
This Cinderella tale with unexpected twists follows Ani, played by Mikey Madison, who is introduced as a compelling New York City dancer. The narrative includes her impulsive romance with Vanya, the 21-year-old son of a Russian oligarch. Their whirlwind elopement to Las Vegas sets off family turmoil, threatening their new bond. Throughout the film, deep themes surrounding power, privilege, class, and control flow, hinging significantly on Ani’s character, whose vibrancy drives the story.
Madison's performance has ignited buzz across awards seasons. Reflecting on this, she told Screen Rant, “I’m just so happy people have been loving the film and how it’s going to be shown in much broader ways than I ever could have anticipated.” Baker, the film's writer and director, celebrated the film's recognition on prestigious stages, stating, “Winning the Palme and earning recognition on the world-cinema stage is what I have long considered the aspired ‘end-all be-all’ of my career,” as reported by Vanity Fair.
After debuting theatrically last October to intense expectation, Anora was nominated for five Golden Globe Awards, competing for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor. It performed impressively during awards season, earning six Oscar nominations and winning every category except Actor in a Supporting Role, which went to Yura Borisov.
During her Oscar acceptance speech, Madison expressed gratitude not just to the film's team but also to the community of sex workers who inspired its narrative. “I will continue to support and be an ally. All of the incredible people, the women I’ve had the privilege of meeting from the sex worker community has been one of the highlights of this entire experience,” she remarked, underscoring the film’s deep ties to real-life experiences.
Those eager to catch Anora can find it currently playing within select U.S. theaters as of March 17, 2025. The film is also available for digital purchase at $19.99 on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube TV. For those interested in streaming, Anora has been made accessible on Hulu as well—a significant move for Baker and the film company, as they forge partnerships with the streaming giant.
For collectors and fans of physical media, Anora is set to receive the Criterion Treatment, with its 4K release available for preorder and set to launch on April 29, 2025, for $34.99, which reflects a 30% discount from its original price of $49.95.
The 4K release will include special features like audio commentaries featuring Baker and key production members, interviews, deleted scenes, and even insightful essays as part of the collection. Critics have lauded Anora for its fresh and engaging take on complex issues. One reviewer noted, “Sean Baker’s hysterical and moving Anora serves up its lead character’s purity of heart on a silver platter, showing us what it means to be let down just when the world seems so full of possibility.”
Fans of Anora and newcomers to the film can expect to experience this vibrant tale of joy and heartbreak via various channels, ensuring the film’s compelling story reaches audiences far and wide.
With its recent achievements and positive reception, Anora continues to draw attention as one of the most talked-about films of the year—further showcasing its impact not just at the Oscars but throughout the cinematic world.
