Sean Baker’s indie romantic dramedy, “Anora,” took home five honors including best picture and actress at Sunday’s 97th Academy Awards ceremony. The film had been touted as an Oscar frontrunner since its Palme d’Or win at Cannes last year and critical acclaim from numerous film festivals.
Despite its wins, many critics are left disappointed, with the author of this article ranking “Anora” ninth out of ten on their preferential ballot. They praised the film’s good but lightweight storytelling, particularly in comparison to other nominees like papal thriller “Conclave,” historical epic “The Brutalist,” and music biopic “A Complete Unknown.”
The film stars Mikey Madison as Ani, a Russian-speaking exotic dancer tasked with getting to know Vanya, an oligarch’s son. The story takes a turn from a romantic comedy to a screwball chase through Manhattan after the two elope.
While the supporting actor Yura Borisov is praised for bringing depth and energy to his character Igor, many are questioning whether it was enough to secure the film’s top prize. The author notes that while “Anora” may be representative of positive changes in the Academy’s voting body, it lacks a certain substance and doesn’t truly stand out from other films.
In the end, the winner is seen as a more traditional Oscar pick, with many speculating that “The Substance” might take home the award in the future. Despite this, fans of independent cinema can appreciate “Anora” as a solid but not exceptional film.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2025/03/03/did-anora-deserve-oscars-best-picture-win/81164750007