Oscars 2025: Mikey Madison Wins Best Actress for 'Anora'
The 25-year-old actor won her first Academy Award, leading 'Anora' to a triumphant five wins at the Oscar ceremony
Mikey Madison has won the Oscar for Best Actress in the Leading Role for Anora. Playing the character of an exotic dancer and sex worker who marries the son of a Russian Oligarch, her role of Ani in the film truly marked the birth of a star.
Nominated alongside other talented actors such as Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Demi Moore (The Substance) and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here), the 25-year-old actor was teary-eyed as she accepted the award.
She recently took home a BAFTA award for Best Actress and was also nominated at the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
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Presented by two-time Oscar winner Emma Stone, Madison thanked the Academy Awards as she began her speech.
“I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me,” said Madison. "Thank you to my incredible family, my mom and my dad and my sister and my little brother and my twin brother Miles — thank you for being my best friend… not that you have a choice!”
She thanked the cast and crew of the film, and recognised the contribution of the sex worker community that she represented. Madison expressed, “I want to recognise and honour the sex worker community. I will continue to support and be an ally. All of the incredible people and women I’ve had the privilege of meeting from that community have been one of the highlights of this incredible experience.”
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She also recognised the work of her fellow nominees as she signed off a milestone moment in her life. “This is a dream come true,” said Madison. “Thank you so much to Sean [Baker], I adore you. This is all because of you.”
Besides Madison’s win, Anora took home five awards at the 2025 Oscars, from the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay to Best Director, Best Editing and Best Picture.