Mikey Madison has soared to great fame due to her Oscar-winning role in Sean Baker’s romantic comedy-drama, titled “Anora.” In this captivating production, Madison delivered a stunning portrayal of the main character, a New York stripper who becomes entangled in a passionate romance with the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. The critically acclaimed film not only won five awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Madison, but also set a new box office record for Baker, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Despite appearing to burst onto the scene with her remarkable performance that captivated audiences, it’s important to note that actress Madison had been tirelessly working in Hollywood for quite a while before starring in the acclaimed indie film. In fact, Baker, a long-time admirer of Madison, was initially introduced to her talent when she appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s film “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” However, it was her chilling portrayal as Amber Freeman in the 2022 slasher movie “Scream” (2022) that left Baker astounded and eager to collaborate with Madison.
Mikey Madison’s Dazzling Rise to Superstardom and Role in ‘Scream’
Prior to becoming the first Generation Z individual to receive an Academy Award, Mikey Madison started her ascent into Hollywood stardom in 2016 when she was chosen for the role of Maxine “Max” Fox in the FX dramedy series “Better Things”. This series spanned five seasons and won a Peabody Award. Though she later appeared in films such as “Liza, Liza”, “Skies Are Grey”, “Nostalgia”, and “Monster”, it was in 2019 that her career took off significantly following her casting as Susan “Sadie” Atkins, a Manson Family member, in Quentin Tarantino’s captivating dramedy “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”.
In a stellar ensemble led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, Quentin Tarantino’s “homage to ’60s L.A.” was a resounding success both critically and commercially, leaving viewers intrigued about Madison’s abilities. Later, she demonstrated her versatility when she joined the beloved Scream franchise, portraying Amber Freeman in the fifth installment of the groundbreaking slasher series. A Woodsboro teenager, Amber appears to be hunted by Ghostface alongside her friends and the iconic final girl Sidney Prescott.
From the moment the horror movie played, it was clear to Baker that Madison was the ideal choice to portray the captivating and lively Anora. Interestingly, the director tailored the character specifically for the actress, having been impressed by her remarkable talent displayed in Scream. Without requiring an audition, she cast Madison in the lead role. Both critics and viewers praised Madison’s performance in the 2022 blockbuster, noting that she convincingly portrayed Amber’s disturbing side with a chilling act. In a September 2024 interview with Variety, Baker disclosed:
In the theater, I was seated next to my wife and producer, Samantha Quan. As soon as the performance ended, I turned to her and expressed, “As soon as we step out of here, I’ll reach out to Mikey’s representatives. From what I just witnessed in those two roles, I firmly believe she has all the capabilities needed for [‘Anora’].
‘Anora’ Creates Some Oscar-Winning Movie Magic
For the movie “Anora“, Baker and Madison closely worked together during the creative phase. The director spent a whole year working on the script, regularly keeping in touch with his main actress throughout the writing period. Madison shared with The Hollywood Reporter that she had never experienced someone creating a character for her before, finding it hard to believe. They often discussed the character and their intentions for the portrayal. To deliver an authentic performance for the romantic drama inspired by “Pretty Woman“, the actress honed her skills in Russian, pole dancing, visited strip clubs, and perfected a Brooklyn accent to accurately portray the Brooklyn sex worker.
As a cinephile, I was thrilled when “Anora” premiered at Cannes on May 21, 2024, shaking the festival with a breathtaking 10-minute standing ovation and snatching the coveted Palme d’Or – a feat not accomplished by an American-produced film since “The Tree of Life” in 2011. Beyond its impressive five Academy Award victories, which included Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Picture, “Anora” was also honored as one of the top 10 films of the year by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute. To top it off, this cinematic masterpiece proved to be a box office sensation, earning $52.2 million on a humble $6 million budget.
Praised for its authentic and forward-thinking portrayal of sex workers, Madison’s breakout role in the film Anora impresses with its exploration of female empowerment and social structures. This captivating romantic drama flips the Cinderella tale on its head, showcasing Madison’s exceptional acting skills. Critics alike, including The Seattle Times, have hailed her performance as a tour de force, stating that she “lights up the screen with an unforgettable breakout role that seems timelessly profound.” Stream Anora on Hulu. Watch Scream (2022) on Netflix and Paramount+.
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2025-03-30 21:34