Mikey Madison, 25, took home the Oscar for Best Actress on Sunday for her breakthrough role in Anora.
Madison, who had no previous major film roles, captivated audiences as Ani, a Brooklyn sex worker who marries a Russian oligarch’s son and learns tough lessons about class disparity.
Her performance earned her the recognition of being one of the night’s most surprising winners, as she bested notable nominees including Demi Moore and Cynthia Erivo.
Anora, directed by Sean Baker, was a major success after premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Palme d’Or.
Madison’s portrayal of Ani, a fighter navigating the rich-poor divide, earned widespread acclaim, with critics praising her comic timing and dedication to the role.
To prepare, she trained in pole dancing, visited sex clubs, and learned both a Brooklyn accent and some basic Russian.
In her emotional acceptance speech, Madison expressed gratitude for her unexpected rise to stardom and honoured the sex worker community she portrayed in the film.
“I will continue to support and be an ally of all the incredible people, the women that I’ve had the privilege of meeting from that community,” she said.
Baker, who cast Madison after noticing her in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood and Scream (2022), praised her dedication, saying, “I’ve never worked with an actor who has dedicated herself more.”
Madison’s portrayal of Ani as a modern-day Cinderella struggling to reclaim her fairy tale ending has earned her critical and public admiration.
