Cannes Favorite Anora: A Deep Dive Into Its Talented Cast
The indie film Anora has quickly captured the attention of audiences and critics alike, especially after its strong showing at international film festivals in 2024 and 2025. As buzz continues to build around this unique drama-comedy, viewers are eager to learn more about the
In this blog post, we’ll explore the cast of Anora, highlight the breakout performances, and provide key background on the stars and what to expect next.
What Is Anora About?
Before diving into the cast, let’s quickly recap what Anora is all about. Directed by Sean Baker — known for his raw and realistic storytelling in films like
Meet the Anora Cast
Mikey Madison as Anora
The lead role of Anora is played by Mikey Madison, best known for her work in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Her portrayal of Anora brings depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. Madison’s chemistry with her co-stars also helps ground the film in authentic emotion.
Mark Eidelstein as Ivan
Playing opposite Madison is Mark Eidelstein, a relative newcomer to Hollywood, but one who leaves a lasting impression. Eidelstein plays Ivan, the wealthy and impulsive son of a Russian oligarch who falls head-over-heels for Anora. His portrayal is layered, mixing innocence, recklessness, and genuine affection, all while navigating the chaos of class differences and cultural expectations.
Despite being newer to the scene, Eidelstein's performance holds its own against Madison’s, and the two share a natural, believable chemistry.
Supporting Anora Cast Members Worth Watching
While the leads are undeniably the stars of the show, the supporting cast also brings crucial texture and realism to the world of
Karren Karagulian
A frequent collaborator of director Sean Baker, Karren Karagulian plays a supporting role that adds both humor and heart to the film. Known for his work in
Vache Tovmasyan
Armenian comedian and actor Vache Tovmasyan also appears in
Why the Anora Cast Stands Out
One of the most impressive aspects of the Anora cast is its diversity and authenticity. Director Sean Baker is known for casting actors who can portray raw, relatable characters, and
The performances are not overly polished — and that’s a good thing. Instead, the cast leans into realism, allowing the characters to be flawed, funny, and fully human.
Festival Buzz and Awards Potential
Anora debuted at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation and major praise for both direction and acting. The Anora cast
With awards season approaching, many are speculating that Mikey Madison could be in line for a Best Actress nomination, and the film as a whole may get nods for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director.
What’s Next for the Anora Cast?
Following the success of Anora, it’s expected that many of the cast members will see their careers skyrocket.
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Mikey Madison is already in talks for major studio projects, with her performance in
Anora solidifying her status as one of the most promising young actresses in Hollywood. -
Mark Eidelstein has reportedly signed with a top-tier talent agency and is being considered for several upcoming streaming and theatrical projects.
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Karren Karagulian continues to build on his reputation as a staple in indie cinema.
Why You Should Keep an Eye on the Anora Cast
The Anora cast is more than just a group of actors — it’s a dynamic team that brought a raw, emotional, and deeply engaging story to life. With powerful performances from Mikey Madison and Mark Eidelstein, and strong support from a culturally rich ensemble, Anora proves that good casting can elevate a film from indie darling to critical darling.
Whether you’re a fan of award-winning performances, independent cinema, or rising Hollywood stars, the Anora cast is one worth watching in 2025 and beyond.
When I found...
I came home to my mom's place after a year abroad.
She was happy to see me, but the kitchen faucet barely worked-pipes were clogged.
I asked why she hadn't called a plumber.
She said she forgot.
The next morning, I grabbed my tools to fix it, but she rushed in and tried to stop me.
No matter how much I asked her what the reason was, she didn't really explain anything.
A week passed, then another one, and constantly washing dishes in the bathroom started to drive me crazy.
So when my mom went out shopping, I finally took the pipes apart—and was
absolutely shaken when I found and was absolutely shaken when I found a tightly wrapped bundle wedged deep inside the pipe.
At first, I thought it was just a clump of old rags or food scraps, but when I pulled it out, it was surprisingly heavy.
The outer layer was soaked and smelled faintly of rust and something… metallic.
I tore the fabric open, and my heart began to race—inside were several stacks of hundred-dollar bills, bound with rubber bands, and tucked between them were small, sealed packets of something powdery white.
I froze, staring at the kitchen floor where the bundle lay.
My brain struggled to catch up—this wasn’t just odd, it was dangerous.
My mom had deliberately kept me from touching these pipes.
She hadn’t “forgotten” to call a plumber—she was protecting… or hiding… something.
The sound of her key turning in the lock jolted me back.
I barely had time to shove the bundle into a grocery bag before she stepped inside.
She froze when she saw my tools scattered on the floor, her eyes darting to my hands and then to the sink.
“What… did you do?” she asked, her voice low, almost trembling.
I didn’t answer.
My hands gripped the bag tighter.
For the first time, I realized there was a whole side of my mother’s life I knew nothing about—and now, whether I wanted it or not, I was part of it.
