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Indie filmmaker Sean Baker finally steps up to the plate with Anora, delivering a timeless film… but did it deserve all the praise it’s received?

The film was nominated for six Academy Awards and took home five, making it one of only four films in history to win both the Palme d’Or and the Oscar for Best Picture. That achievement alone puts Anora in a different league statistically.

At its core, Anora is a character study. It features breathtaking themes and performances that completely blow you away. It’s raw and gritty, yet balances its darker tone with humor in a way that feels effortless.

As with most films that reach this level of acclaim, the more it wins, the more backlash it attracts. But what’s undeniable is this: the film deserved every single award it received! My first time watching it was in theaters, and that experience still remains unforgettable.

Sean Baker directs it with precision! The chaos sequences feel controlled, not chaotic for chaos’ sake. It’s not visual noise, but visually compelling storytelling. Anora ended up being my favorite film of that year, and I was genuinely relieved when it won Best Picture.

I can’t wait to see Sean Baker’s next project, and I’m equally excited to see Mikey Madison take on more eccentric, compelling roles.