Mikey Madison Wins Best Actress Oscar for ‘Anora,’ Upsets Demi Moore/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Mikey Madison won her first Academy Award for Best Actress on Sunday for her breakout role in “Anora,” edging out Hollywood veteran Demi Moore, who had been the front-runner for her performance in “The Substance.” The 25-year-old actress delivered a heartfelt speech, acknowledging the sex worker community that inspired her performance as an exotic dancer who elopes with the son of a Russian oligarch. Her win was part of a dominant night for “Anora”, which took home five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker. Backstage, Madison called the moment “surreal” and reflected on her rapid rise from television to Oscar-winning actress.
Mikey Madison’s Oscar Win – Quick Look
- Best Actress Winner: Mikey Madison (Anora)
- Other Nominees:
- Demi Moore (The Substance)
- Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)
- Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez)
- Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
- First Major Film Role: Previously known for TV roles in “Better Things” and supporting roles in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “Scream”
- Significance of the Win: Beat the Oscar favorite Demi Moore, who had previously won the Golden Globe and SAG Award
- Speech Highlights: Acknowledged sex worker community, expressed shock and gratitude, and called it a dream come true
Mikey Madison Wins Best Actress Oscar for ‘Anora,’ Upsets Demi Moore
Mikey Madison’s Stunning Rise to Oscar Glory
From TV to Hollywood’s Biggest Stage
Mikey Madison, born Mikaela Madison Rosberg in Los Angeles, was relatively unknown in the film world before Sean Baker cast her in “Anora.” The actress, one of five children of psychologist parents, initially trained as a competitive horseback rider before discovering her love for acting in her mid-teens.
“I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me,” Madison said backstage. “This is a dream come true. I’m probably going to wake up tomorrow.”
Her first breakthrough came in FX’s “Better Things,” where she played a rebellious teenager. She followed it with small but memorable roles in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “Scream” (2022). However, it was “Anora” that propelled her to stardom.
A Role That Changed Everything
Sean Baker wrote the role of Anora specifically for Madison, captivated by her naturalism and screen presence. To prepare for the part, Madison:
- Learned Russian to capture the authenticity of the character
- Performed her own stunts, including physically demanding pole-dancing sequences
- Studied the lives of sex workers, working closely with advocacy groups to bring realism to her portrayal
Her performance, balancing humor, vulnerability, and grit, earned rave reviews and helped “Anora” win the Palme d’Or at Cannes before sweeping awards season.
“Making this film gave me confidence as an actor and as a creative,” Madison said. “It really inspired me and reminded me of the kind of work I want to do.”
A Shocking Win Over Hollywood Royalty
For much of awards season, Demi Moore was considered the frontrunner, winning the Golden Globe and SAG Award for her transformative performance in “The Substance.” However, Madison gained momentum in the final stretch, winning the BAFTA and Independent Spirit Award just days before the Oscars.
“Wow, this is very surreal,” Madison said on stage, clutching her Oscar. “Forgive me, I’m nervous.”
She also took a moment to acknowledge the sex worker community that inspired “Anora”, vowing to continue her support and advocacy.
What’s Next for Mikey Madison?
After her Oscar win, Madison said she is eager to continue making bold and challenging films but isn’t rushing to her next project.
“I really don’t know what will happen in the future,” she said backstage. “I just want to keep making movies.”
For now, she plans to celebrate at home with her new puppies.
“I’m going to go home to my new puppies and probably clean up their mess, and it’s going to bring me back down to earth.”
Final Thoughts
Mikey Madison’s Best Actress win at the 2025 Oscars solidifies her as Hollywood’s newest star, proving that independent films and fresh talent can still dominate awards season. With an undeniable screen presence and a commitment to authentic storytelling, Madison is set to be a major force in cinema for years to come.
What’s next?
- Will Madison’s next role be another indie project or a Hollywood blockbuster?
- How will her win impact the visibility of sex worker advocacy in film?
- Can “Anora” inspire more independent films to break through at the Oscars?
No matter what happens, Mikey Madison’s name is now etched in Oscar history.
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