If you don’t know the name Sean Baker, get to know it now because his latest film,Anora, will be a major factor at the 2025 Oscars.
Neonreleased the latest trailer forAnora, a chaotic love story about a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Mikey Madison plays Ani, an exotic dancer hired to entertain the Russian oligarch’s son, Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn). Ani and Vanya begin a passionate affair that leads to a quick marriage. When Vanya’s wealthy parents get wind of the relationship, they do everything they can to annul the marriage.
“We are married. They’re gonna have to accept that,” Ani tells Vanya in thenew footage.
Vache Tovmaysa, Yura Borisov, and Karren Karagulian also star.
Anorais written, directed, and produced by Baker, an independent filmmaker best known forTangerine,The Florida Project, andRed Rocket.
Anorapremiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival to rave reviews.Anorawon the Palme d’Or, becoming the first American film to win Cannes’ top prize since 2011’sThe Tree of Life.
In a wide-open award season,Anorais one of the most anticipated movies of fall 2024and has a great chance to break through and become a major contender at the2025 Oscars. Three of the last five Palme d’Or winners —Parasite,Triangle of Sadness, andAnatomy of a Fall —received a Best Picture nomination.
Individually,Anorais a star-making performance from Madison, who broke out inOnce Upon a Time…in HollywoodandScream. Madison will likely find herself contending for Best Actress, and with the right campaign, she could be the favorite heading into the ceremony this March. Baker, who has never received an individual Oscar nomination, seems poised to receive nominations for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director.
