“Anora” has been all the buzz this awards season, sweeping the Oscars and taking home a total of five awards, including best picture and best actress for star Mikey Madison.
But what is “Anora,” and why is everyone talking about it?
The Neon film first premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2024, and had its theatrical release on Oct. 18. At Cannes, the film won the top prize, the Palme d’Or.
Director Sean Baker may be known for his work on “The Florida Project,” but “Anora” took the box office by storm, becoming his highest grossing film. After the Oscars, the film was re-released into theaters due to its success.
“Anora” follows Ani (Madison), a sex worker from Brooklyn, as she meets the son of a Russian oligarch and eventually gets married. As Ani speaks Russian, she is asked to meet with Ivan, the son, when he visits her work. He then hires her to pretend to be his girlfriend, and the two grow close and eventually fall in love. On a trip to Las Vegas, the couple impulsively decides to marry, which does not go over well with Ivan’s family.
The love story quickly turns from a fairytale into a complete mess involving kidnapping, bribery and a marriage annulment.
Madison, who was previously known for her work in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “Scream” (2022), delivered the performance of a lifetime in the film, having spent an unbelievable amount of time on research and preparation.
Prior to the film, Madison didn’t know how to speak Russian or pole dance, both of which ended up being prominent within the film. To prepare, Madison moved to Brighton Beach and installed a pole in her new apartment to practice.
She also spent a lot of time in actual strip clubs, getting to know women in sex work and learn how they carry themselves, interact with clients, decorate their nails and dance. Madison said this research was the most important thing she did for the film.
The time, research and dedication she put into the role paid off, winning her an Oscar and the praise of film lovers everywhere. Prior to “Anora,” Madison had never stepped foot in a strip club. Now, she has a newfound love and respect for the women in the sex work community and the work they do, noting that it takes a ridiculous amount of stamina and skill.
During her speech at the Oscars, Madison shared how important getting to know these women was for her, and how the experience ultimately changed her life.
“I also just want to again recognize and honor the sex worker community,” Madison said. “I will continue to support and be an ally. All of the incredible people, the women that I’ve had the privilege of meeting from that community has been one of the highlights of this entire incredible experience.”
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Despite the praise the film received this awards season, the film and Madison herself have faced controversy online for seemingly “glorifying” the sex work industry, which is historically known to exploit women. However, Madison said that her goal in this process was to accurately portray these women and give them the representation they deserve.
To Madison, the movie was made for sex workers, and one of the things she really wanted to do the most was host a screening just for them. According to Variety, Madison did just that, where she was joined by Baker and the cast to present the film to the sex worker community.
Madison said that the best part of it all was seeing the women click their heels to give the film applause.
“Anora” is nothing short of a brilliant, cinematically stunning film masterpiece flooded with a ridiculously talented cast and unbelievable performances, earning it five Oscars.
The representation this film gives the women of the sex work community is something seldom explored in film, and for it to do that and take home the top prize is beautiful.
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