Mikey Madison, an Oscar nominee, was recently photographed with local icon Peter Agrapides during a visit to Williams Candy, a cherished fixture in Coney Island. This iconic candy shop, which has been a staple of the community for 84 years, is currently basking in the limelight following the recognition of the film ‘Anora’ with six Oscar nominations.
Filmed at Williams Candy, ‘Anora’ tells the compelling story of a young sex worker from Brooklyn who unexpectedly marries the son of a Russian billionaire, featuring pivotal scenes shot in the store located at the intersection of Surf Avenue. The film also incorporates various Brooklyn neighborhoods, such as Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay, Mill Basin, and Midwood, crafting a rich narrative landscape.
Directed by Sean Baker, the film received nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, Best Supporting Actor for Yura Borisov, Best Editing, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director. Agrapides, the store’s owner, expressed mixed feelings about the film’s portrayal of his shop: “It was a hard watch. It looked like they were destroying my store,” he reflected, but he also conveyed excitement for the film’s success and their plans to cheer on the ‘Anora’ team during the Oscars on March 2.
During a one-day shoot in March 2022, the crew transformed the shop and recreated scenes involving a staged demolition, complete with sugar glass displays. Agrapides emphasized that the film’s depiction of the store’s connections to the Russian mafia and on-set cannabis use were purely fictional elements.
The Agrapides family has long been embedded in Coney Island’s history, having opened Pete’s Clam Stop in 1975 before taking over Williams Candy in 1982. Today, they offer traditional candies made on-site, including their famous candy apples.
The film’s presence has boosted business during the off-season as visitors flock to meet Billy O’Brien, a beloved local character who also stars in the film. At 75, O’Brien shares a long history with the Agrapides family and has been a mainstay on the Coney Island boardwalk since his youth, working various roles in the entertainment sector. His participation in ‘Anora’ came only after encouragement from friends, and he remains humble about his newfound recognition, joking about the challenges of sudden fame.
Overall, ‘Anora’ not only elevates the profile of a beloved local business but also highlights the cultural richness of Coney Island. The story resonates with themes of community and resilience, promising to bring a positive and hopeful narrative to the forefront as it heads toward Oscar night.