‘Anora’ shines a delicious light on a decades-old candy business in Brooklyn

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'Anora' shines a delicious light on a decades-old candy business in Brooklyn

After more than 80 years in business, Coney Island’s beloved Williams Candy is basking in the spotlight. This old-school candy shop, known for its nostalgic charm, recently got a sweet dose of fame thanks to its appearance in the Oscar-nominated film “Anora” by director Sean Baker.

The film, which has earned six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Director, features a chaotic and unforgettable scene shot right inside the Surf Avenue staple, just steps away from the legendary Nathan’s Famous hot dog stand.

A Sweet Store with an Oscar-Worthy Cameo

Williams Candy, a Coney Island fixture since 1941, has barely changed over the decades. Its classic charm and vintage vibe are exactly what caught the eye of the producers of Anora. The film tells the story of a young sex worker, played by Mikey Madison, who marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Most of the movie was shot in Brooklyn, with one particularly intense scene unfolding inside this humble candy store.

In the scene, Anora searches for her missing husband, accompanied by some of his family’s hired muscle. What starts as a tense confrontation quickly escalates into chaos, with the characters smashing glass display cases. But don’t worry — the glass was fake, though it left quite a mess behind!

“After I saw the movie, I said, ‘Oh my god!’ We were finding that glass all over the place for months after that,” laughed Peter Agrapides, the current owner of Williams Candy.

The Real Star Behind the Counter

While many moviegoers now associate the shop with “Billy the owner” from the film, the real-life owner is Peter Agrapides. He finds it amusing that people come in asking for Billy.

“They come and they ask, ‘Was Anora filmed here?’ and ‘Where’s Billy the owner?’ I’m the owner! Not Billy! He was just the fake owner,” Peter joked.

Billy O’Brien, who plays the fictional owner in the film, is a local Coney Island personality who has been part of the neighborhood since he was five. Although he’s not the actual owner, Billy still hangs around the store and even helps park cars during the summer. In the movie’s scene, he dramatically reacts to the aftermath of the candy store getting wrecked, exclaiming, “What the hell?!”

From Classic Candy to Hollywood Fame

Williams Candy has always been a favorite for locals and tourists, offering timeless treats like caramel apples, cotton candy, and fudge. But its recent brush with Hollywood has brought a new wave of visitors.

“It’s great! It’s exciting to see your store in a good movie at the Oscars. Millions of people watching, it’s great,” said Peter Agrapides.

When asked about the payment for using his store as a film set, Peter joked, “I think I should’ve got more… if I knew it was gonna be an Oscar hit!” Despite the playful regret, he’s enjoying the extra business and attention the film has brought.

A Store That’s Stood the Test of Time

What makes Williams Candy special isn’t just its movie cameo — it’s the fact that it has remained a cornerstone of Coney Island for over eight decades. The shop’s vintage feel, friendly service, and delicious treats have kept generations of customers coming back.

“They’re a great family; they deserve all the business they get,” said loyal customer Lynn Marando.

Now, thanks to Anora, Williams Candy isn’t just a Coney Island gem — it’s a little piece of Hollywood history.

Planning a Visit?

If you find yourself in Coney Island, stop by Williams Candy to grab a sweet treat and maybe snap a photo where Anora’s unforgettable scene was filmed. You might even run into Peter (not Billy!) and hear firsthand stories about the day Hollywood came to Surf Avenue.

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Jaxon

Alberto Bufalino ('22) is from Durham, North Carolina, and is studying Political and International Affairs. He is the Managing Editor of the Wake Forest Review.

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