Mikey Madison made history at the 2025 Academy Awards, winning Best Actress for her powerful performance in “Anora”. After starring in the Brooklyn-set comedy-drama, the 25-year-old actress gained widespread recognition, which dominated the Oscars with five wins, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker.
A Surreal Oscar Win for Mikey Madison
Taking the stage, Madison was visibly emotional.
"Wow, this is very surreal. Forgive me, I’m nervous," she said before reading a heartfelt list of acknowledgments.
Madison was previously best known for playing a sullen teenager in FX’s “Better Things”, which ended in 2022. She also appeared in major films like “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” and the horror hit “Scream 5”.
Her breakthrough came when director Sean Baker wrote the role of Anora specifically for her. Madison is fully committed to the role—learning Russian, performing her stunts, and mastering pole dancing—to portray an exotic dancer who marries the son of a Russian oligarch.
Onstage, Madison took a moment to honor the community her character represents:
"I want to recognize the sex worker community. I will continue to support and be an ally."
Anora’s Road to Oscar Glory
“Anora” had already made waves in the industry, debuting at the Cannes Film Festival and winning the Palme d’Or. Its box office success easily surpassed its $6 million budget, solidifying it as one of the year’s biggest indie hits.
While Demi Moore was the Oscar frontrunner for “The Substance,” having won at the Golden Globes and SAG Awards, Madison gained momentum in the final weeks. Just days before Oscar voting ended, she beat Moore at the BAFTAs and triumphed at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Backstage, Madison was still in disbelief:
"It’s a huge honor, one that I think will soak in later. I really did not expect it at all."
Mikey Madison’s Journey to Stardom
Born Mikaela Madison Rosberg in Los Angeles, she grew up far from Hollywood’s spotlight despite living in the city. Raised by psychologist parents, she initially pursued competitive horseback riding before discovering her passion for acting as a teenager.
“I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me. This is a dream come true.”
Since her 2017 film debut in “Liza, Liza, Skies Are Grey”, Madison has starred in nine movies.
"Making this film gave me confidence as an actor and as a creative. It reinvigorated my love for cinema and reminded me of the kind of work I want to do."
What’s Next for Madison?
Before diving into new projects, Madison has something special waiting at home—her new puppies!
"I’m going to go home, clean up their mess, and that will bring me back to earth."
Madison won against a strong lineup of Best Actress nominees, including:
- Demi Moore (The Substance)
- Cynthia Erivo (Wicked)
- Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez)
- Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
With this Oscar win, Mikey Madison’s career is only just beginning. Fans are eagerly waiting to see what’s next for this rising star.
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