Cover Anora sweeps the 97th Academy Awards with five wins (Photo: @anorafilms on Instagram)
Anora sweeps the 97th Academy Awards with five wins (Photo: @anorafilms on Instagram)
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Anora, fresh off its 2025 Oscars sweep, captivates with its bold storytelling, while director Sean Baker's raw, guerrilla-style filmmaking brings this award-winning masterpiece to life
Fresh off its triumphant night at the 2025 Oscars, Anora has firmly cemented its place in cinematic history, taking home Best Picture, Best Director for Sean Baker, and Best Original Screenplay. The film’s bold storytelling and raw authenticity resonated with both critics and audiences, making it one of the most talked-about movies of the year.
At its core, Anora follows the gripping story of a Brooklyn stripper whose spontaneous marriage to the son of a Russian oligarch catapults her into a chaotic journey of love, danger, and self-preservation. With Baker’s signature blend of realism and empathy, the film navigates the stark contrast between glittering wealth and harsh reality, pulling viewers into Anora’s unpredictable world.
Read more: The 2025 Oscars: Who’s likely to win?
But what went into creating this powerful piece of cinema? From guerrilla-style filmmaking to Sean Baker’s meticulous attention to detail, we dive into the behind-the-scenes magic that brought Anora to life—uncovering the moments, challenges, and creative risks that shaped this Oscar-winning masterpiece.
Above Opening scene at location with sex workers in dressing room (Photo: Screenrant)
Opening scene at location with sex workers in dressing room (Photo: Screenrant)
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Authentic casting
Director Sean Baker cast real-life strippers, including Lindsey Normington, Sophia Carnabuci and Luna Sofía Miranda, who not only acted but also served as consultants to ensure an accurate portrayal of sex work.
Above Mikey Madison with Russian actor Mark Eydelshteyn (Photo: Screenrant)
Mikey Madison with Russian actor Mark Eydelshteyn (Photo: Screenrant)
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Lead actress immersion
Mikey Madison, who played the titular role, underwent extensive preparation by learning Russian, visiting strip clubs, and mastering the Brooklyn accent to embody her character authentically.
See also: Oscars 2025: 11 iconic fashion moments from past ceremonies
Above Cinematographer Drew Daniels on set of Anora (Photo: Screenrant)
Cinematographer Drew Daniels on set of Anora (Photo: Screenrant)
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Cinematographic inspiration
The film’s visual style drew inspiration from 1970s New York crime dramas, with cinematographer Drew Daniels shooting on Kodak 35mm film using vintage lenses to capture a gritty aesthetic.
Above Wedding scene filmed in Coney Island (Photo: @anorafilms on Instagram)
Wedding scene filmed in Coney Island (Photo: @anorafilms on Instagram)
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Real-life locations
Filming took place in Brooklyn neighborhoods like Brighton Beach and Coney Island, with scenes shot in actual clubs and restaurants frequented by the local community, enhancing the film’s realism.
Above Caption: Director Sean Baker guiding Madison and Eydelshteyn on set before a pivotal scene (Photo: Screenrant)
Caption: Director Sean Baker guiding Madison and Eydelshteyn on set before a pivotal scene (Photo: Screenrant)
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Collaborative direction
Baker worked closely with actors, often demonstrating scenes with producer Samantha Quan to ensure comfort and authenticity, particularly during intimate scenes.
Quinny Tan is the Social Media Manager of Tatler Malaysia, where she leads the growth and strategy of the brand’s social presence while overseeing content output, ensuring the brand's voice resonates with both longstanding readers and new communities in the digital space. In recent years, she has worn several hats across the media landscape—having served as a writer, video producer, video editor, and on-camera host.
Outside of work, she can be coaxed out of her default doom-scrolling state with an iced black coffee, reruns of Prison Break, and a quick-shuffle of Red Hot Chili Peppers' discography. Find her at the nearest, spiciest sazerac whilst building rapport with anyone who has a good story to tell, with mic in hand.
