The Stunning Locations of Anora: Exploring the Backdrop of the Five-Time Oscar Winner

Sean Baker’s Anora was the undisputed triumph of the 97th Academy Awards, taking home an impressive five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Sean Baker), Best Actress (Mikey Madison), Best Editing, and Best Original Screenplay. The film captivated audiences and critics alike with its raw storytelling, deeply human characters, and visually striking locations that seamlessly blend realism with cinematic beauty.

Set between Brooklyn, Manhattan, Moscow, and Dubai, Anora uses its settings as more than just a backdrop—they become an integral part of the film’s emotional and thematic weight. From the neon-lit underground world of New York nightlife to the extravagant palaces of Russian oligarchs, each location mirrors the protagonist’s turbulent journey.

Here’s a look at some of the most remarkable places where Anora was filmed and how they shape the film’s narrative.

Brooklyn, New York: The Heart of the Story

Much of Anora unfolds in the dynamic borough of Brooklyn, New York, capturing its pulsating nightlife, diverse neighborhoods, and raw energy. Baker, known for his love of shooting on location, immerses the audience in the borough’s authentic streets, avoiding the polished Hollywood version of New York in favor of a more gritty, lived-in atmosphere.

• Strip Clubs and Nightlife: Several key scenes take place in Brooklyn’s strip clubs, where Anora (Mikey Madison) works. The neon-lit interiors and dimly lit dressing rooms set the stage for the protagonist’s world, showcasing the reality of her profession without romanticizing it.
• Russian Enclaves of Brighton Beach: The film also explores Brighton Beach, an area known for its strong Russian community. Here, Baker paints a vivid picture of the oligarch lifestyle that Anora becomes entangled with, capturing the opulence of high-end restaurants and extravagant parties, set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

Manhattan: Luxury and Excess

As Anora gets swept up in the whirlwind romance with her wealthy lover, the film transitions into Manhattan’s glitzy, upper-class world. Baker contrasts the cold grandeur of five-star hotels and penthouses with the warmth of Brooklyn’s streets.

• Upper East Side & Luxury Hotels: Opulent hotels and private clubs in the Upper East Side serve as the backdrop for the characters’ lavish encounters, highlighting the stark difference between Anora’s modest lifestyle and the world of unimaginable wealth she is suddenly exposed to.
• Times Square & Midtown: The chaotic, hyper-commercialized landscape of Times Square appears briefly, symbolizing Anora’s growing disorientation as she is caught between two conflicting worlds.

Moscow, Russia: A Glimpse into the Oligarch World

A significant portion of Anora unfolds in Moscow, where the protagonist follows her lover into the extravagant yet suffocating world of Russian high society. The film offers a rare, realistic portrayal of modern-day Moscow, focusing on the extreme wealth that defines the oligarch elite.

• Lavish Estates & Private Mansions: Filmed in some of Moscow’s most exclusive properties, these settings serve as a striking contrast to Anora’s modest beginnings.
• Gilded Nightclubs & High-End Restaurants: Sequences set in Moscow’s most extravagant venues provide an almost surreal atmosphere, emphasizing Anora’s growing alienation from her own identity.

Dubai: An Unexpected Turn

Without revealing spoilers, a portion of the film also takes Anora to Dubai, adding another layer of excess and isolation to the story. The glittering skyline, ultra-luxurious hotels, and desert landscapes reinforce the film’s themes of power, control, and identity crisis.

Sean Baker’s masterful use of real-world locations adds depth and authenticity to Anora, making its environments feel as immersive as its characters. From Brooklyn’s underground nightlife to Moscow’s oligarch palaces, the film’s locations are more than just settings—they are integral to the story’s emotional and thematic weight.

By blending realism with cinematic storytelling, Baker transforms Anora into a visually stunning journey through class divides, cultural contrasts, and the search for identity in a world dictated by power and privilege.