At the 2024 Cannes Festival, the Palme d’Or was awarded to Sean Baker’s film “Anora,” lauded for its humor and emotional depth. This modern Cinderella story features a young Brooklyn stripper who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, only to face challenges from his disapproving family. Scheduled for a Halloween release, “Anora” showcases Baker’s signature exploration of marginalized characters, earning acclaim for its engaging narrative and strong performances.
The prestigious Palme d’Or for 2024 has been awarded to “Anora.” In a delightful blend of captivating storytelling and exquisite taste in cinema, Greta Gerwig and her jury chose to honor Sean Baker’s latest feature, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in independent American filmmaking.
With this win, Baker follows Justine Triet, who previously took home the accolade for “Anatomy of a Fall.” He becomes the first American recipient since Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life.” Here’s everything you need to know about this film that charmed the Cannes 2024 jury with its humor, emotional depth, and the bittersweet hope it instills.
Release Date: When Will “Anora” Premiere?
This Halloween, audiences will celebrate not with horror, but with the arrival of “Anora” in theaters on October 30, courtesy of Le Pacte, the distributor responsible for “Anatomy of a Fall.” The film will also have a run at the Deauville Festival in September, a place where Baker has made a name for himself since his breakout film, “Tangerine.”
Additionally, Baker’s earlier films, including “Four Letter Words,” “Take Out,” “Prince of Broadway,” and “Starlet,” will be hitting cinemas for the first time on October 23.
Plot Synopsis: What Is “Anora” About?
“Anora” tells the modern Cinderella story of a young stripper from Brooklyn who finds herself swept off her feet by the son of a Russian oligarch. Eagerly, she marries her Prince Charming, but their fairy tale takes a turn when his parents arrive in New York to seek an annulment of the marriage.
Director Spotlight: Who Is Sean Baker?
At 53, Sean Baker has directed six feature films, with only three having reached theaters prior to “Anora.” His previous works include the visually captivating “Tangerine,” shot entirely on an iPhone, “The Florida Project,” which earned him accolades at Cannes, and “Red Rocket,” marking his debut in the competition in 2021.
Baker’s films often explore themes of sexuality and the lives of marginalized individuals within American society. He stated in an interview, “My films start from problems, themes, and places that I want to cover,” indicating his commitment to illuminating unseen narratives. He has portrayed a diverse range of characters, from transgender sex workers in “Tangerine” to a washed-up porn star in “Red Rocket.”
His characters are richly written, avoiding judgment and instead exploring complex issues surrounding sexuality and the male gaze. Fans of Baker should keep an eye out for subtle references to “Red Rocket” in “Anora.”
Aself-proclaimed admirer of directors like Francis Ford Coppola and David Cronenberg, Baker’s success at the Cannes Competition this year, presented by George Lucas, represents a triumphant moment in his career.
Cast: Who Stars in “Anora”?
The cast of “Anora” features diverse talent, including a standout performance from a jet-black-haired actress who caught Baker’s eye during her role in “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.” Following the film’s release, she was offered the lead role without the need for an audition, a first for her.
Baker humorously noted about his discovery, “I’m annoyed because I won’t be able to shoot with her since she’ll cost too much now that ‘Anora’ is going to get her off the ground.” Moreover, the film introduces Russian actor Mark Eydelshteyn, whose unique charisma garnered laughter and applause in the film’s early scenes.
Additionally, Baker identified Yuriy Borisov, a talented actor from “Compartment N°6,” to join the ensemble, enhancing the film’s depth.
Why “Anora” Deserves the Palme d’Or
Despite initial skepticism about its chances, “Anora” stood out during the festival, resonating with audiences even when many films fell short of expectations. The film captivates from its opening moments, merging an exhilarating vibe with a narrative that grows increasingly dramatic.
The humor present in Anora’s story, accentuated by the inclusion of t.A.T.u.’s “All the Things She Said” in the soundtrack, created an engaging atmosphere that had audiences rooting for the film until the end credits rolled. With her magnetic performance, the lead actress transformed the film into a dazzling spectacle.
Her presence is undeniable throughout the film, especially in a remarkable central sequence, showcasing a new take on the “Pretty Woman” story that situates itself firmly within