Mikey Madison: 'A Star on the Rise' Secures Best Actress Oscar for 'Anora'

 

Mikey Madison Secures Best Actress Oscar for 'Anora'

Mikey Madison Secures Best Actress Oscar for 'Anora'

At just 25 years old, Mikey Madison triumphed at the Academy Awards on Sunday, securing the best actress accolade for her performance in the drama "Anora," where she portrays a sex worker who weds the son of a Russian oligarch.

Madison outshone formidable contenders, including "The Substance" star Demi Moore, Brazilian talent Fernanda Torres, Cynthia Erivo from "Wicked," and Karla Sofia Gascon from "Emilia Perez."

In "Anora," Madison takes on the role of Ani, an exotic dancer who impulsively marries Ivan, the heir to a wealthy Russian dynasty. However, his powerful family does not take kindly to the unexpected union.

Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley near Los Angeles, Madison made her television debut at 16 with a role in FX's "Better Things." She also had a minor appearance in Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood" and took on a leading role in "Scream V."

Her performance in "Anora" has already garnered significant acclaim, earning her best actress awards at both the Independent Spirit Awards and the BAFTAs.

It has been a remarkable year for Mikey Madison, the breakout star of Anora. Alongside receiving widespread recognition for her role as Ani—a Brighton Beach dancer and sex worker who unexpectedly enters a whirlwind marriage—Madison has also emerged as a rising icon in the worlds of fashion and beauty.

“Ani’s aesthetic and the way she presents herself are integral to the story,” Madison explains, reflecting on her character’s signature style, which featured long, almond-shaped nails and strands of sparkling hot pink tinsel woven into her jet-black hair. “She knows how to attract in a way that is authentic to herself.”