LA Film Critics Name “Anora” Best Picture, Giving It Momentum in Awards Season
The Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) has announced its picks for the best films of 2024, and Sean Baker‘s “Anora” took home the top prize, setting the stage for what could be a successful awards season run. The gritty drama, which revolves around a stripper who navigates the complex world of wealth and power after marrying the son of a Russian oligarch, garnered critical acclaim upon its release and is now poised for potential Oscar nominations.
Top Honors
The LAFCA’s selection of “Anora” as the year’s best film gives director and writer Sean Baker’s work a significant boost heading into the Academy Awards nominations next month. The film “has a lot of heart, but it’s also a tough look at the consequences of those dreams and the sacrifices people are willing to make for them.”
Mikey Madison (“Anora”) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (“Hard Truths”) were recognized as the year’s best lead performances. Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”) and Yura Borisov (“Anora”) shared the honor for best supporting performances, showcasing the exceptional talent on display across multiple films.
Mohammad Rasoulof earned the prestigious best director award for his work on “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.”
Other Notable Wins
The LAFCA also honored a range of film professionals in various categories.
Jomo Fray received accolades for his captivating cinematography in “Nickel Boys,” while Jesse Eisenberg took home the screenplay award for “A Real Pain.” Judy Becker’s meticulous production design for “The Brutalist” also earned recognition.
Nicholas Monsour (“Nickel Boys”) and Hansjorg Weibrich (“September 5”) shared the editing award, highlighting the skillful storytelling through these films. “No Other Land” triumphed in the documentary/nonfiction category. In animation, “Flow” captivated audiences with its visual storytelling, while Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross scored a win for their music and score in “Challengers.”
Looking Ahead: A Ceremony and a Career Achievement
The LAFCA winners were revealed on X, but the celebration will culminate with a formal ceremony on January 11, 2025, at the Biltmore Hotel. This prestigious event will also honor legendary director John Carpenter with a well-deserved career achievement award. Founded in 1975, the LAFCA comprises a distinguished group of Los Angeles-based film critics working in both print and electronic media. Last year, the organization named “The Zone of Interest” as the best film of 2023.
Notably, the New York Film Critics Circle had previously chosen Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist ” as the top film of the year. Interestingly, the LAFCA deemed “The Brutalist” the runner-up for best picture.
How much money did “Anora” make at the box office?
## Lights, Camera, Anora!
**Interviewer:** Welcome back. Joining us today is film critic, Sarah Jones to discuss the exciting news from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association. Sarah, the LAFCA just announced their picks for the best films of 2024, and “Anora” is taking center stage. What makes this win so significant?
**Sarah Jones:** This is huge for “Anora” and its director, Sean Baker. The LAFCA’s choice as Best Picture often sets the tone for the rest of the awards season, so this win gives “Anora” powerful momentum heading into the Oscars. It’s a gritty, powerful story, and the critical acclaim it’s already received suggests it could be a serious contender for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
**Interviewer:** Tell us about “Anora”. It sounds like quite a story.
**Sarah Jones:**
It’s a compelling drama centered around a stripper played by Mikey Madison, who enters a world of immense wealth and power after marrying the son of a Russian oligarch. The LAFCA praised the film’s raw honesty and emotional depth, calling it “a tough look at the consequences of chasing dreams and the sacrifices we make.” [[1]]
**Interviewer**: Any standout performances we should be looking out for?
**Sarah Jones:** Absolutely! Mikey Madison was named Best Actress for her role in “Anora,” and the incredibly talented Yura Borisov was recognized for his supporting role in the film. It seems like the entire cast delivered exceptional performances, and it’s no surprise that “Anora” is getting so much attention.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Sarah. This certainly sets the stage for a thrilling awards season.
**Sarah Jones:** My pleasure! It’s an exciting time for film lovers!
