Sean Baker’s latest film, Anora, has continued its triumphant streak across the awards season by securing the Best Picture honor at the 2025 Vancouver Film Critics Circle Awards. The screwball comedy-drama, which has already bagged major accolades including the Palme d’Or at Cannes, solidified its status as one of the year’s most celebrated films.
But Anora‘s success didn’t stop there—leading actress Mikey Madison walked away with the Best Female Actor award, further cementing the film’s influence in the awards circuit. So, what made Anora resonate so strongly with critics?
A Comedy with Depth
Directed by Sean Baker, Anora tells the story of a young sex worker entangled in an unexpected romance with the son of a Russian oligarch. While the premise leans into comedy, Anora also delivers social commentary—a signature of Baker’s filmmaking style. With its mix of humor, social realism, and engaging performances, the movie has become a standout in a competitive award season.
Mikey Madison’s portrayal of the titular character has particularly drawn acclaim, earning her multiple nominations, including a Best Actress nod at the Academy Awards. At Vancouver, her performance was singled out as the year’s finest, reinforcing her position as a rising force in Hollywood.
Other Big Winners of the Night
Beyond Anora, the Vancouver Film Critics Circle honored several other standout performances and films:
- Best Director: Denis Villeneuve for Dune: Part Two
- Best Male Actor: Timothée Chalamet for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown
- Best Screenplay: Jesse Eisenberg for A Real Pain
- Best Supporting Male Actor: Kieran Culkin for his role in A Real Pain
- Best Supporting Female Actor: Margaret Qualley for The Substance
Denis Villeneuve’s win for Dune: Part Two comes as no surprise, given the film’s sweeping cinematic spectacle. Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet‘s transformation into the young Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown earned him the Best Male Actor distinction, adding another accolade to his rapidly growing career.
A Competitive Race for Best Picture
Despite Anora taking the top prize, competition for Best Picture was stiff. Notably, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, which had earned multiple nominations, went home empty-handed. Starring Adrien Brody, The Brutalist was expected to be a major player, but ultimately, the awards were dominated by a handful of films.
The awards season has been unpredictable, but one thing remains clear: Anora is a force to be reckoned with. With its blend of humor, social commentary, and standout performances, it continues to captivate both audiences and critics.
Honoring International and Canadian Cinema
Beyond Hollywood, international and Canadian films were also recognized:
- Best International Film (Non-English Language): Flow by Gints Zilbalodis
- Best Feature Documentary: No Other Land
- Best Canadian Picture: My Old Ass by Megan Park
Among Canadian winners, Park’s My Old Ass, a coming-of-age comedy-drama, was the evening’s biggest domestic victor. The film won three awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Female Actor for Maisy Stella. Meanwhile, Can I Get a Witness? earned accolades for Best Director (Ann Marie Fleming), Best Supporting Female Actor (Sandra Oh), and a One to Watch award for Keira Jang.
What’s Next for Anora?
With momentum building ahead of the Academy Awards, all eyes are now on Anora to see if it can continue its winning streak on the biggest stage of all. Mikey Madison’s Oscar nomination places her among the industry’s finest, and the film’s success at multiple major festivals suggests it’s a serious contender for further honors.
As the awards race intensifies, Anora remains a standout—proving that a well-crafted comedy with real emotional weight can resonate universally. Whether it will dominate the Oscars remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it has already secured its place as one of the defining films of the year.
Source: Hollywood Reporter