Mikey Madison’s portrayal of a sex worker in the film ‘Anora’ was revolutionary. Her professional journey, especially in recent years, has been incredibly successful. The recent awards she won at BAFTA and the Independent Spirit Awards solidified her name in the industry, but no one expected her to surpass all favorites and win the Best Actress category. On Sunday, March 3, 2025 (Monday in Greece), the main competitor was the veteran actress Demi Moore. Everyone anticipated that the 62-year-old would win this category at both BAFTA and the Oscars, but Mikey Madison made a stunning upset in both competitions.
Other contenders included Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres from ‘I’m Still Here,’ who was considered a rising force in the category, while Cynthia Erivo from ‘Wicked’ had already started losing hope. With her victory, Mikey Madison became one of the youngest artists to win this award, following Marlee Matlin (21) and Jennifer Lawrence (22). During her acceptance speech at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Madison expressed disbelief and gratitude, acknowledging everyone involved in the movie, including her mother, who guided her through countless lessons.
The film aimed to shed light on the real lives of sex workers and their struggle for survival. Before ‘Anora,’ Madison starred in all five seasons of ‘Better Things,’ playing the troubled teenage daughter of Pamela Adlon when she was only 16. Her talent seems innate, as neither of her parents are actors; both are psychologists. Madison spent much of her childhood as a horse rider, preferring the company of horses over people.
Director Sean Baker immediately thought of the 25-year-old actress for the lead role in ‘Anora.’ Her physical presence, porcelain skin, large eyes, and intensity in small roles were key factors in his decision. For the role, Madison underwent an entire year of preparation, including observing dancers in clubs, learning twerking and striptease, and setting up a pole in her living room for practice. Her transformation was so impressive that co-star Mark Eydelshteyn didn’t recognize her during filming. Madison’s performance was celebrated not only by critics but also by members of the sex work community, receiving standing ovations during screenings in New York and Los Angeles.