At the 97th Academy Awards held on March 3, 2025, Mikey Madison, aged 25, secured the Best Actress Oscar for her compelling performance in "Anora." This victory positions her as one of the youngest recipients in the award's history.
"Anora," directed by Sean Baker, narrates the life of a sex worker who becomes romantically involved with the son of a Russian oligarch. Madison's portrayal received widespread critical acclaim, contributing to the film's success, including the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and multiple awards at the Oscars, such as Best Picture and Best Director.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Madison expressed gratitude to her family and the Brighton Beach community, where the film was set. She also honored the sex worker community, stating, "I will continue to support and be an ally. All of the incredible people, the women that I've had the privilege of meeting from that community has been one of the highlights of this incredible experience."
Madison's journey to this accolade includes roles in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and the "Scream" franchise. Her role in "Anora" was specifically crafted for her by Baker after he observed her previous performances.
The Best Actress category featured notable nominees, including Demi Moore for "The Substance," Fernanda Torres for "I'm Still Here," Cynthia Erivo for "Wicked," and Karla Sofía Gascón for "Emilia Pérez." Moore, previously considered a frontrunner with wins at the Golden Globes and Critics' Choice Awards, showed visible disappointment during the Oscars ceremony but gracefully applauded Madison's victory.
Madison's Oscar win is a testament to her dedication and the impactful storytelling of "Anora," shedding light on underrepresented communities and narratives in cinema.