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,
Whether you’re a fan of award-winning performances, independent cinema, or rising Hollywood stars, the Anora cast
Why I Never Want My Daughter to Stop Looking Around619
The afternoon light filtered softly through the kitchen window as my daughter placed her progress report in my hands. The paper was crisp, dotted neatly with check marks that reflected her growth, her effort, her steady little triumphs. Yet, one mark stood alone, set apart from the others.
“How am I doing, Mom?” she asked, her voice small but tinged with a maturity that felt older than her years. She peered up at me through smudged eyeglasses that slid precariously down her nose, her hair a little tangled from the day. Her tiny finger landed on the teacher’s note beside the solitary check mark: “Distracted in large groups.”
I had known this long before it appeared in black and white. Since she was a toddler, my daughter had always been a quiet observer of the world, noticing details most adults rushed past.
I read aloud all the positives, making sure she saw how many there were, how brightly they shone. Then I gently told her about the teacher’s note. She gave me a shy, uncertain smile, as if she were bracing for disappointment, and whispered, “I do look around a lot.”
In that moment, I refused to let a seed of shame take root. I bent down, eye level with her, so she would not only hear my words but feel their truth.
“Yes,” I told her softly, “you do look around a lot. And that is your gift.”
I reminded her:
“You noticed Sam sitting alone with a skinned knee on the field trip, and you went to comfort him.
You noticed Banjo’s runny nose, and because of you, the vet caught his illness early.
You noticed how hard our waitress was working, and you suggested we leave her an extra good tip.
You noticed Grandpa slowing down, and instead of running ahead, you stayed with him.
You notice the beauty of the view every time we cross the bridge to swim practice.”
Her eyes grew wide, her little shoulders straightening as she absorbed the words. A shy smile spread into something radiant, a glow of acceptance and pride.
“I don’t ever want you to stop noticing,” I told her firmly. “The world needs people like you. Your noticing is your gift, and it makes the world better.”
And as I watched her beam, I realized something profound: her so-called distraction was, in fact, presence. Where others overlooked, she paid attention. Where others hurried, she paused.
The truth is, we are all waiting for someone to notice — notice our pain, our scars, our small victories, our courage to keep going.
And when someone truly notices, it feels like being seen for the first time.
My daughter, in her quiet way, had that gift. And perhaps, if she never stopped noticing, she just might change the world.
