Mikey Madison, the 25-year-old actress, captured the coveted Oscar for Best Actress at the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, for her powerful performance as Ani, an exotic dancer, in the acclaimed film Anora. Madison's win not only marked her first Oscar but also placed her at the forefront of Hollywood's new generation of actors.
Competing against formidable nominees, including Demi Moore for her role in The Substance, Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here, Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, and Karla Sofía Gascón for Emilia Pérez, Madison's performance was recognized for its depth and nuance, which won over audiences and critics alike. Her portrayal of Ani—a character who marries the son of a Russian oligarch only to navigate the treacherous waters of her married life—has been hailed as her breakout role following her previous work on the FX series Better Things and Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood.
During her emotional acceptance speech, Madison reflected on her childhood, stating, I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away. Thank you so much to the Academy. She went on to address those who helped her on her path, saying, Thank you to my incredible family, my mom and dad, my sister, and my little brother, and my twin brother Miles, for being my best friend—not कि you had a choice...
Madison's heartfelt gratitude extended to her fellow nominees, where she acknowledged their work, stating, I also want to honor and recognize the sex worker community. I will continue to support and be an ally. All the incredible people and women I've had the privilege of meeting… have been among the highlights of this entire incredible experience. Her recognition of the sex worker community struck a chord, emphasizing the importance of representation and advocacy within film narratives.
The film Anora itself was also a standout at the ceremony, not only winning Best Actress but also taking home awards for Best Picture and Best Director, bestowed upon Sean Baker. This film's success at the Academy Awards came after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered the prestigious Palme d'Or. Many pundits believed its strong showing at Cannes foreshadowed its Academy potential.
Earlier in the night, Sean Baker delivered his own powerful message during his acceptance speech, emphasizing the importance of preserving the theater-going experience during challenging times for the film industry. He stated, We are all here tonight… because we love movies... The theater-going experience is under threat. It's up to us to support them. His words served as both recognition of the tradition of cinema and a call to action for future filmmakers and audiences alike.
Despite the momentum built from previous award wins, Madison faced fierce competition, particularly from Moore, who had garnered significant acclaim for her role as an aging fitness instructor Bottles the pressures of beauty and aging. Fans of Moore voiced their disappointment online, labeling Madison's win as unexpected and even dubbing it a robbery on social media platforms.
Madison's win over Moore created much buzz, showcasing the Academy's shift toward recognizing newer talents alongside established names. Observers noted the strong narrative support behind Madison, especially following her BAFTA win just days before Oscar voting concluded. The dynamic of the race underscored the unpredictable nature of award season, where not even frontrunners guarantee certainty.
Having previously dazzled on various red carpets, Madison's appearance at the Oscars was the culminating event of her breakout year. Styled by Jamie Mizrahi, she arrived wearing a stunning black Dior gown paired with vintage Tiffany & Co. jewelry, embodying the glamor typical of Oscar night. Makeup artist Melissa Hernandez created Madison's beauty look, drawing inspiration from classic cinema but adding modern flair, emphasizing her character's aesthetic from the film.
Reflecting on her time filming Anora and her experience living among the Brighton Beach community, Madison indicated how pivotal this immersion was for her character development. She described the experience of residing there during filming as integral to authentically portraying Ani, stressing the importance of being present within one's setting to bring depth to the character she embodied.
With so much gained from her role, Madison now faces questions about her next steps. While no subsequent projects have yet been announced, the film industry is eager to see where her rising star will lead her. The Academy's affection for young talents, paired with her powerful performance, places her among the most watched actresses moving forward.
Mikey Madison’s triumph at the Academy Awards not only celebrates her individual talents but also highlights the shifting dynamics within the film industry, paving the way for new voices and stories to emerge and be recognized on prestigious platforms like the Oscars.