Los Angeles: Mikey Madison won her first Academy Award for Best Actress on Sunday night for her breakout role in “Anora,” a Brooklyn-set comedy-drama that dominated the night with five Oscar wins, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker.
As the 25-year-old actress took the stage, she embraced director Sean Baker and her fellow cast members before delivering an emotional speech.
“Wow, this is very surreal,” Madison said, visibly moved by the moment. Holding a piece of paper, she admitted, “Forgive me, I’m nervous,” before reading a list of names she wanted to thank.
Before “Anora” catapulted her to Hollywood’s highest honor, Madison was best known for playing a brooding teenager in FX’s hit comedy series “Better Things,” which concluded in 2022. She also gained recognition for her roles in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” and the fifth installment of the horror franchise “Scream.”
It was her previous work that caught the attention of Sean Baker, who specifically wrote the role of Anora for her. To fully prepare for the demanding part, Madison studied Russian, performed her own stunts, and learned pole dancing to portray an exotic dancer who marries the son of a Russian oligarch.
Madison’s win was part of a sweeping victory for “Anora”, which took home Best Picture, Best Director, and two other major awards. The film’s success cemented Sean Baker’s reputation as a filmmaker who brings unconventional yet deeply human stories to life.