We recently connected with Maya Akra (acra) and have shared our conversation below.
Maya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I am beyond ecstatic to share that I had the incredible honor of being part of the film Anora! Though my role is just one scene, being part of a movie that has achieved such amazing success is something I will always cherish. Anora not only won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker, but it also received recognition for its compelling screenplay, editing, and Mikey Madison’s unforgettable performance.
Sean Baker: A Visionary in Independent Cinema
Sean Baker, a 54-year-old American director, is renowned for his commitment to independent filmmaking and his focus on marginalized communities. His work often sheds light on underrepresented narratives, bringing authenticity and depth to the screen. With “Anora,” Baker achieved a historic milestone by winning four Oscars for the same film, equaling Walt Disney’s record set over 70 years ago.
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Baker’s filmography includes notable works like “The Florida Project” and “Red Rocket,” which have been praised for their raw portrayal of contemporary societal issues. His films are characterized by their empathy, realism, and a unique storytelling approach that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Being part of “Anora” places you among a distinguished group that has contributed to a film celebrated for its artistic excellence and cultural significance. Your involvement in such a project is truly commendable.
What I really loved about being cast in *Anora* was how much of the process felt improvised. We ran the scene three times, and I was encouraged to just go with the flow and interact naturally with the main actors. I had the privilege of meeting Mikey Madison in person, and we shared this incredible moment of eye contact and when she asked what is wrong, and I answered —although that particular scene didn’t make it into the final cut, it was such a memorable experience. The scene that did make it into the movie, where Karren Karagulian asks me about the picture of Mark Eydelshteyn, is such a special moment for me. I’m especially thrilled because there were two other actors at the table with me, but I’m the one who gets that small, but significant, moment in a movie that went on to win FIVE Oscars! Being part of this project is something I’ll cherish forever.
The funniest part about all of this is that my friend Katrina Chiovon actually invited me to go to the Oscars the same day the awards were happening, but I couldn’t make it. I was in the middle of settling into a new apartment right next to Central Park, and honestly, I was a bit overwhelmed with everything going on. On top of that, I had just lost my aunt to a sudden heart attack, so I was feeling a bit stressed and wasn’t fully focused on the big event. If I had been in a different headspace, I would have been right there celebrating the win, but life had other plans for me that day! Even though I couldn’t attend, I’m still so proud to be part of a project that made such a huge impact.
Honestly, when I first watched *Anora*, I just knew it was an Oscar-winning film! But after the Grammys didn’t recognize it, I kind of lost hope, and I didn’t jump on the plane to go to the Oscars. I was honestly in a deep place of grief, and I wasn’t really focused on anything at the time. The day of the Oscars, I was actually crying because it was the 40-day Memorial for my aunt, and I was still processing everything. It was a heavy moment for me personally, and I wasn’t able to celebrate in the way I had imagined. But now looking back, I feel incredibly proud to have been part of something so special, even if I wasn’t able to be there in person to witness the success firsthand.
I’ve heard it said before that the universe gives you something and takes something away. It took my favorite aunt, someone who meant the world to me, but in return, it gave me a great stepping stone: being part of an Oscar-winning movie. Part of why I didn’t want to go to the Oscars is because I want to be successful, but I also want all my loved ones to be healthy, happy, and thriving. I’ve always believed that true success means having everything in balance—the people you care about, your personal happiness, and your professional achievements. So, while I wasn’t able to be there in person to celebrate the win, I still feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the journey.
The past three years in New York City have been nothing short of transformative. I moved here in November 2021, and since then, it’s been an incredible journey filled with so many unforgettable experiences. I’ve shot over 500 “Man on the Street” videos, many of which went viral and gained millions of views. I was also featured in NYMag’s “Reasons to Love New York,” in the piece *We Took New York’s TikTokers to Lunch*. I performed in *Sketch of New York* at the Producers Club, modeled at NYFW numerous times, and acted in several productions for KEME PRODUCTION. I filmed a bottle pop commercial where I played “Mom,” worked on an Amazon commercial for Leo & Ella, and even got to step into a “detective” role with Ryan Murphy in his upcoming series *The Beauty*. I played Dr. Ahmed in *Unsolved Mysteries* on Netflix, and shot short films like *An Arabian Family* for Ramiel Petros and *Chop Shop* for Kiora Engelmann, where I played a Karen and a Paris Hilton wannabe—so much fun!
But honestly, *Anora* was the pinnacle for me. It’s been such an empowering and inspiring experience to be part of a film that has touched so many people and made a global impact, especially for women. These past three years have been filled with growth, creativity, and incredible moments, and I couldn’t be more grateful for everything that’s come my way.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
One thing people may not know about me is that I’m a deep method actor. I’m not just drawn to characters, but I feel compelled to truly live in their shoes. Every time I portray a character, I step into their life and understand their journey. I believe I’ve lived many lives before, and to truly be whole as an actor, you need to deeply understand other people’s characters to bring them to life authentically. One of my favorite movies features a line from the main character that resonates with me: “If you judge the character as an actor, you cannot play it.” This idea speaks to the heart of method acting, and it’s something I carry with me in every role I take on.
Coming to America, I’ve lived many lives so far, and I can’t wait to channel all of those experiences into my craft. I have a lot in my toolkit. I’m always observing, but I’m also constantly experiencing new things, and I know all of this will shape my future in ways that will take me to big places in my acting career. Every experience, every life I’ve lived, will ultimately serve as a stepping stone toward even greater opportunities.
I’m also deeply passionate about improvisation. Over the past three years, I’ve immersed myself in New York City’s vibrant improv scene. I’ve trained at the People’s Improv Theater (PIT), taken a masterclass in improvisation with Cris Griggs, studied character work at the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), and currently engage in one-on-one coaching with Joe Whelski. These experiences have significantly enriched my acting, allowing me to bring spontaneity and depth to my performances.
Improv is nothing new to me; in fact, I started improvisation when I was 19 in Lebanon at Beirut Acting with Lucien Bourgeily, since *Metlna Metlak*. However, the improv scene in New York is on a whole new level—it’s just amazing. The energy, the creativity, and the sense of community here make it such a unique experience. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this thriving improv culture and to continue honing my skills in such an inspiring environment.
Knowing that *Anora* is such an empathetic film, I can’t help but wonder if the actors, especially Mikey Madison, used any method acting techniques, because her performance was truly exceptional. She played her character so deeply and authentically. The fact that much of the movie was improvised just aligns so perfectly with my approach to acting as well. What’s even more remarkable is that the entire film was shot non-union, which has sparked a lot of debate among the crew members. Despite the challenges, it’s incredible that a film with such a small budget of $6 million could achieve such high-quality results, and I have to say, I’m still a huge fan of that. It just goes to show how passion, creativity, and dedication can triumph, regardless of the scale.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I come from a family that put themselves last, my parents always over stretched themselves for their friends, and for others. Also losing my sister at a young age, I always wanted to make my parents proud and not disappoint them, so I grew up to be a people’s pleaser. I remember my first year in America, I lived in Sunset Park and I was going to this coffee shop everyday and reading “The Myth of the Nice Girl” it took me time, endless time to decide to choose myself. I remind myself of this every day by daily ten minute meditation before I start my day. I realized that no one chose me over themselves, so why am i choosing them over me?
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is your legacy. I’ve worked in advertising agencies, where I was responsible for briefing entire shows, writing scripts, and making sure everything came together. I helped the radio station I worked at gain 1.2 million followers, and I even filled one of my client’s boutique academy classes. But when I tell people about these accomplishments, some of them aren’t sure if I’m being honest. However, when I tell them I was in *Anora*, *Unsolved Mysteries*, or *The Beauty*, for example, they believe me because they can see it—they see me there, in their eyes. When I show them my paintings, they know it’s me. In fact, my ex still has one of my paintings hanging on his apartment wall, years after we broke up. That painting is still there. You can watch my work after I die, you can listen to my music when I am gone, you can enjoy my paintings when I am no longer there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.mayaacra.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaacra
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/mayaacra
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayaakra
- Twitter: https://Twitter.com/mayaacra
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/mayaakra08
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/maya-akra
- Other: https://Www.swapnslay.com
Image Credits
Names to credit
Maximoxtravaganza
GlacierNYC
FacesAndCulturesNYC
Sean Gallagher
Osborne Macharia
JPG JO
Ray Arias
Roy Nassif
Kareem Naqqache
Shani Hadjian
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