In a stunning turn of events at this year's Oscars, Mikey Madison, the 25-year-old actress at the heart of the critically acclaimed film "Anora", has captured the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actress. Madison's victory came as she triumphed over seasoned actress Demi Moore, who was widely considered the favorite for her role in "The Substance", as well as potential spoiler Fernanda Torres from "I’m Still Here". By the time the Best Actress award was announced, "Anora" had already secured wins for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.
While accepting her award from presenter Emma Stone, Madison expressed her gratitude, saying, “I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me.” She took a moment to thank her collaborators, both in front of and behind the camera, and acknowledged Brighton Beach for providing a beautiful backdrop and a supportive community for the film. Madison also made a powerful statement in support of the sex worker community, saying, “I will continue to support and be an ally. All the incredible people, the women I’ve had the privilege of meeting… have been among the highlights of this entire incredible experience.”
In an emotional conclusion to her speech, she remarked, “I want to recognize the breathtaking work of my fellow nominees… This is a dream come true. I am probably going to wake up tomorrow. Thank you to Sean. This is all because of you. I adore you.”
Earlier in the night, Sean Baker, who directed "Anora", received the award for Best Director and used his platform to emphasize the importance of supporting movie theaters. “We are all here tonight and watching this broadcast because we love movies,” he stated. Baker underscored the unique experience of watching films in theaters, saying, “In a time in which the world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever.” He urged the audience to rally around independent theaters, which have been struggling, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. “During the pandemic, we lost nearly 1,000 screens in the U.S., and we continue to lose them regularly,” he lamented.
"Anora" tells the compelling story of a young sex worker named Ani, played by Madison, whose life spirals into chaos due to the promises made by Russian heir Vanya, portrayed by Eydelshteyn. The film's success at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Palme d’Or, significantly boosted its Oscar prospects. Baker's passionate plea for the survival of the theater experience continued, urging filmmakers to focus on big-screen releases, stating, “If we don’t reverse this trend, we’ll be losing a vital part of our culture.”
The Best Actress race this year was marked by unpredictability, with Madison previously securing the BAFTA for Best Actress earlier in February, which enhanced her chances of winning the Oscar. While Demi Moore's narrative as a seasoned actress tackling complex themes in "The Substance" was compelling, Madison’s performance resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Filming for "Anora" took place in Brighton Beach, starting in February 2023. Madison, who had never visited the area before, immersed herself in the community to better understand her character. She shared with IndieWire her dedication to authenticity, stating, “I had spent so many months doing all the other preparation for the character. If I don’t understand what it’s like to live here, it’s not going to feel real.” She even engaged with local culture by visiting coffee shops and purchasing elements for her character’s wardrobe.
As of now, Mikey Madison has not announced any upcoming roles following her monumental success in "Anora." She previously garnered acclaim for her roles in FX's series "Better Things," created by Pamela Adlon, and in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." The Academy has a history of favoring young talents, and Madison's journey to Oscar victory has certainly captured the public's imagination.
