Sean Baker’s independent film Anora has made history at the 2025 Academy Awards, securing five major wins in a single night. The film’s unexpected success has resonated not only in Hollywood but also in Russia, where it is being hailed as a cultural triumph.
Anora Shines at the 2025 Oscars
On Sunday, March 2, Anora broke records by winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing at the Oscars. Directed by Sean Baker, the film tells the story of a New York sex worker who marries the reckless son of a Russian oligarch, intertwining themes of love, survival, and societal divides.
The film’s star, Mikey Madison, won Best Actress for her portrayal of Anora, while Russian actor Mark Eydelshteyn played Ivan, the oligarch’s son. Another Russian actor, Yura Borisov, portrayed Igor, a brutal yet sensitive bodyguard who plays a crucial role in the film’s unfolding drama.
Despite being made on a modest budget of $6 million, the film’s raw storytelling and character-driven narrative have earned it global acclaim, including a particularly strong reception in Russia.
Why Anora Is Being Celebrated in Russia
One of the key reasons for the film’s popularity in Russia is Yura Borisov’s Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor—the first for a Russian actor since 1978. Although Borisov lost to Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), his nomination alone has been seen as a significant moment for Russian cinema.
Film critic Larisa Malyukova expressed the overwhelming enthusiasm in Russia, stating on Telegram, “I can’t remember such an outpouring of admiration, such an avalanche of universal interest.” Many Russians saw Borisov’s recognition as a break from the country’s cultural isolation since the Ukraine war began in 2022.
Since most major Hollywood studios halted film releases in Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the country has relied on pirated versions of international films. Borisov’s presence at the Oscars was seen by many as a symbolic victory, proving that Russian talent can still make its mark on the global stage.
“People don’t want us to be completely cut off. They want to hear a Russian name announced in Hollywood,” Malyukova wrote, as per AFP.
Russian film distributor Central Partnership echoed this sentiment, writing on Telegram, “Yura Borisov did not win the Oscar, but he won the main award – the hearts of millions of viewers.”
Russia’s Take on Anora’s Victory
For many in Russia, the country’s representation at the Oscars has been framed as a “national victory.” Pro-Kremlin commentator Sergei Markov wrote on Telegram, “Russian culture can’t be canceled. Russia itself can’t be canceled. Sooner or later, the West will have to come to terms with Russia.”
This rhetoric is particularly significant as Russia was banned from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Some see Borisov’s Oscar nomination as a rare moment of international recognition at a time when Russian participation in global events has been severely limited.
Controversy and Mixed Reactions in the West
Despite the film’s apolitical stance, Anora’s win has sparked mixed reactions in the West. While the film is not explicitly pro-Russian or anti-Russian, its success is being widely celebrated in Russia, which makes some in the West uneasy.
The movie is set before the 2022 invasion, allowing its Russian oligarch character to travel freely to the U.S. without sanctions—a stark contrast to the current geopolitical reality. Some critics argue that the timing of the film’s release has added to the complexity of its reception.
Actors Yura Borisov and Mark Eydelshteyn have not publicly commented on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Their silence has allowed them to navigate between the West and Russia, unlike many Russian artists who have faced persecution or exile after criticizing the government.
With Donald Trump expected to negotiate a peace deal with Russia, the possibility of sanctions lifting looms, potentially restoring Hollywood’s access to Russian theaters. If this happens, Anora may mark the beginning of a new era of cultural exchange between Russia and the West.
Anora’s record-breaking Oscar success has sparked both celebration and controversy. In Russia, it is seen as a symbolic victory in a time of cultural isolation, while in the West, its reception remains nuanced and complex. Regardless of the political interpretations, Anora has cemented its place in cinematic history as an independent film that defied expectations.
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