The 2025 Academy Awards, held on March 2, was another star-studded night of celebration, showcasing not only the shimmer of Hollywood elite but also the freshly minted talents making waves this year. One standout was Mikey Madison, the 25-year-old actress who took home her first Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Anora, besting established contender Demi Moore from The Substance. This victory underscored the transformative power of storytelling, especially as Madison’s portrayal of the titular sex worker established her ascent within the industry.
Notably, Anora also scooped the coveted Best Picture, Director, and additional honors, effectively placing its director Sean Baker center stage as he earned four individual Oscars. Madison’s triumph marked her as the sixteenth actress to clinch this prestigious accolade for portraying a prostitute, joining the ranks of icons like Charlize Theron and Anne Hathaway. Her acceptance speech was heartfelt, honoring her character and the community it represented, reflecting her commitment to authentic storytelling.
Mikey Madison’s performance not only resonates with the struggles of modern narratives but also breaks the mold of the traditional "hooker with a heart of gold" trope. Critics noted the film's raw and unapologetic essence, highlighting how it melded egregious stakes with tragicomedy, especially when juxtaposed with classic depictions like Julia Roberts’ character from Pretty Woman.
On the same sensational night, the stars descended upon the accompanying Vanity Fair Oscars Party, held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. This gathering showcased the fashion prowess of Hollywood's crème de la crème, with attendees swapping their red carpet ensembles for stunning new looks.
Cynthia Erivo, after dazzling on the red carpet, traded her green Wicked Witch of the West gown for a chic Vivienne Westwood creation at the Vanity Fair party. Zoe Saldana, who took home the Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her powerful portrayal in Emilia Perez, celebrated her triumph by adorning herself in a stylish Saint Laurent dress.
Not to be outdone, Colman Domingo, nominated for Best Actor for Sing Sing, donned a fashionable Dolce & Gabbana black suit. Though he did not clinch the Oscar—an honor taken by Adrien Brody for The Brutalist—Domingo’s presence commanded attention. Meg Ryan, who reunited with co-star Billy Crystal to announce the final award of the night, graced the event wearing a sheer nude dress embellished with sequins and pearls.
The glamorous ambience was also marked by Halle Berry’s presentation of the James Bond tribute during the Oscars, followed by her presence at the party. Other stars like Selena Gomez and Samuel L. Jackson took to the stage during the awards to present the Best Documentary Short Film and Best Documentary Feature, with Gomez dazzling everyone in a sequined Armani Privé dress.
Timothée Chalamet made headlines both for his daring performances as Bob Dylan and for ditching his bright yellow suit for a sleek black Tom Ford suit at the party. Similarly, Demi Moore's return to the limelight with her role as the lead in The Substance was celebrated, as she also wore an exquisite gown by Armani Privé.
Despite the high spirits at the Vanity Fair party, the night distinctly belonged to newcomers like Mikey Madison, heralding the arrival of fresh voices ready to reshape Hollywood. At just 25 years old, her Oscar achievement crowned her the first individual from Generation Z to win this coveted award for acting—a remarkable differentiation from her predecessors.
Madison’s narrative parallels the shift within the Academy, especially as her win diverges from the more sanitized portrayals of sex workers often seen on screen. The conversation surrounding the portrayal of such characters regained traction as she acknowledged the community’s contributions during her acceptance speech, drawing parallels to the legacies of similar roles performed by renowned actors like Jodie Foster and Julia Roberts.
Now, as discussions about the Oscar-winning performances continue to swirl, it’s evident the 2025 Academy Awards presented not just shining accolades but also narratives poised for examination. With influencers like Madison lighting the way forward, the industry stands on the brink of evolution—a swell of momentum for fresh storytelling emerges.
Mikey Madison’s ascent and the evening’s highlights at the Vanity Fair party encapsulated the essence of this year’s festivities. They underscored the changing landscapes of both performance and representation, reaffirming the Academy’s place as the pulse of cinematic achievement and the aspiration of future talents.