In a surprising turn of events at the 97th Academy Awards, 25-year-old Mikey Madison emerged victorious in the Best Actress category. Her portrayal of a Brooklyn sex worker in the film Anora garnered critical acclaim and ultimately surpassed expectations, beating out seasoned actress Demi Moore, who was widely anticipated to win for her role in The Substance. Madison's acceptance speech highlighted her connection to the sex worker community and her commitment to advocating for them. The win marks a significant milestone as Madison becomes the first Gen Z actor to claim an Oscar in an acting category.
Madison's journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. Growing up in Los Angeles, she felt that Hollywood remained distant and unattainable. However, her performance in Anora, where she portrayed a complex character who marries into a powerful Russian oligarch family, brought her unprecedented recognition. During her heartfelt speech, Madison acknowledged the challenges faced by sex workers and pledged her ongoing support for their community. She emphasized the importance of understanding and honoring the experiences of those she represented on screen.
Madison's preparation for the role involved extensive conversations with individuals from the sex worker community. These interactions provided her with invaluable insights into the physical and emotional demands of the profession. Speaking at The Hollywood Reporter’s actress roundtable, she shared how these encounters shaped her approach to the character. She described the mental and physical endurance required, noting the need to connect instantly with people and the stamina needed to perform in challenging conditions.
Despite being overshadowed by more established actresses like Demi Moore, Madison's win was not entirely unexpected. Her triumph at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards earlier signaled her growing prominence. Other nominees in the Best Actress category included Cynthia Erivo, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Fernanda Torres. While Moore had previously secured the Golden Globe for best actress, it was Madison who ultimately clinched the coveted Oscar.
The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O'Brien at the Dolby Theatre, celebrated exceptional talent across various categories. Madison's victory underscores the emergence of fresh faces in the industry, highlighting the diversity and depth of contemporary filmmaking. Her win serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and emphasizes the importance of authentic representation in cinema.