Anora, the Woman You are

spoilers ahead

Can we get huge applause for Mikey Madison snagging Best Actress at the Oscars?! And let’s not forget Anora for taking home Best Picture! This is actually the first time I’ve watched a movie before it won Best Picture at the Oscars, and I gotta say—I’m feeling pretty proud of myself.

Anora absolutely dominated the 2025 Oscars, taking home five awards, including Best Director, Best Editing, and Best Original Screenplay! From Mikey Madison’s powerhouse performance to Sean Baker’s masterful direction, everything about this film was next-level.

But let’s be real. This movie was never just about "a sex worker taking advantage of a rich boy." Ani (Anora) is a woman in New York who is constantly exploited by the world around her. She marries a Russian boy, which is probably where her fairytale starts or ends...Through her story, we witness her struggles, choices, and the brutal reality of her work. It’s raw, and it’s emotional.

Anora (2024) won big at the 2025 Oscars (Image credit: Getty Images / Jeff Kravitz)

While Ani is ambitious and seeks a better life, she also displays moments of vulnerability and self-reflection. Her interactions with other characters, especially those from her past, shed light on her internal conflicts and desires.​ The supporting characters, Igor and Garnick, play such a big role in understanding Ani’s life, and it is mesmerizing how they tie it into the movie. Igor is someone who understands Ani’s world and serves as a reality check for her when she starts to dream about a new life.

The final scene….omg… no words….

Anora final scene (Image Credit: NEON)

It's so powerful but yet so silent. Throughout the movie, Ani tries to take control of her life, making choices she believes will lead to something better. But she’s completely overwhelmed, exhausted, and done in the final scene. Her reaction at that moment says everything about what she’s feeling inside. How she responds to Igor, whether she leans on him or pulls away shows us exactly where she sees herself by the end. It is impossible to forget.