Editor's note: Spoilers ahead!
It's nothing new for people to have different opinions about award shows. There's always going to be debate—about almost everything, really. So, it's no surprise that even a well-deserved win (at least in my opinion!) like independent film Anora got a mixed response.
But like everything, at the end of the day, to each their own. That said, it doesn't change the fact that Anora took home not just one, but five (!) trophies at the 79th Academy Awards—including Best Picture and Best Actress for Mikey Madison, who played the titular role.
Who Is Mikey Madison, the Academy Award-Winning Actress From Anora?
You've definitely seen Mikey Madison before. Anora isn't the 25-year-old actress' first big gig. She's been in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (a film she said she completely threw herself into) and Scream V (2022), where she played none other than Ghostface. It was her role in the Tarantino film that first put her on director Sean Baker’s radar, but it was Scream that sealed the deal for her casting in Anora.
Fun fact: While we know her as Mikey Madison, her full name is Mikaela Madison Rosberg. She grew up in LA (and has a twin!), something she mentioned in her Oscars 2025 speech—where she also shared how, despite living in Los Angeles, she still felt far from Hollywood. Oh, and in case you're into astrology, she's a Gen Z Aries, born on March 25, 1999!
After doing Anora and introducing Ani into the world, Mikey has been taking the opportunity to advocate for and destigmatize sex workers. In her Oscars acceptance speech, Mikey took the time to not only thank but also say a call to action for sex workers. "I just want to say that I see you. You deserve respect and human decency. I will always be a friend and an ally, and I implore others to do the same."
READ MORE: Why 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' Deserves All The Oscars Hype
An Honest Review of Anora
Sean Baker's Anora follows Ani (Mikey), a New York sex worker whose life takes a wild turn after meeting Vanya (Mark Eldeshtyn), the son of a Russian oligarch. They bond over her ability to speak Russian, and as their connection blurs the line between professional and personal, they impulsively marry in Vegas. But reality hits hard when Vanya's parents step in, forcing Ani to face the truth—and a divorce.
After watching Anora—especially that ending scene (iykyk)—I was left speechless, and I wasn't alone. Many viewers felt the same. The silence that followed Anora's cries had the same effect as seeing a friend break down when they rarely do—you don't know how to comfort them, so you just sit there, taking it all in, unable to say a word, just processing what happened.
The film moved at such a dizzying pace that it almost felt overwhelming. It quickly established Anora's world before sweeping her—and the audience—into the whirlwind that Vanya's wealth and spontaneity brought. In just a few days, they went from strangers to client and companion, to impulsively married in Vegas, only for it all to spiral into a frantic chase around New York, landing Ani right back where she started.
The independent drama-comedy received mixed reactions, including from the sex worker industry. While Mikey's brilliant performance as Ani was widely praised, some sex workers and strippers felt the film leaned on outdated narratives about their profession. They also pointed out that themes of violence and trauma were present but not fully explored.
Though the film felt full of life, I couldn't help but feel that it lacked a clearer window into Ani's motivations and inner thoughts. She was present, yet there was a sense of detachment—her intentions remained just out of reach. The story let us follow Ani, but it never truly let us in.
That said, the film's journey was enough to make you root for Anora. She was already strong, but a deeper sense of internal drive and purpose could have made her character even more compelling. Was this choice intentional? If so, it highlights a larger issue: even with research and careful consideration, creators can still fall short in fully capturing the depth of this community's experiences.
As a viewer, what I loved about the film was the dialogue—it was written in a way that made it feel like you were eavesdropping on a real conversation. It flowed so naturally. At the same time, the performances were just as powerful.
Mikey was open about the physical preparations and research she put into the role, while Mark even submitted his self-tape nude, believing it was fitting for his character, Vanya. The actors fully committed to their roles, and that dedication shines through in their performances—it's something truly worth appreciating.
READ MORE: Vanessa Hudgens Revealed Her Baby Bump At The Oscars Red Carpet
Where can you watch Anora?
If you missed Anora in theaters, you can rent it digitally on Apple TV in the Philippines. It's not included in the subscription, but you can pre-order it now for P599.
Internationally, Anora will also be available for digital rental on Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and YouTube, but it's not yet available in our region. But the good news is, it will start streaming on Hulu on March 17.
Anora's writer and director Sean Baker, who won five Academy Awards for the film—including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture—used his speech to champion theatrical moviegoing:
"And for all of us, when we can, please watch movies in a theater and keep the great tradition of the moviegoing experience alive and well."
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