Mikey Madison Reflects on "Anora" and Oscar Buzz: "Overwhelming and Amazing"

Mikey Madison stars in "Anora," a film that intertwines fairy tale elements with gritty realism, portraying a stripper who finds herself in a tumultuous relationship with a Russian oligarch's son. Following its successful premiere at Cannes, where it won the Palme d'Or, Madison's performance has garnered significant recognition and multiple award nominations, bringing her to the forefront of Oscar discussions.

Mikey Madison's journey in the film "Anora" reflects a peculiar blend of fairy tale and gritty realism. The film tells the story of Ani, a stripper whose spontaneous marriage to the son of a Russian oligarch opens doors to her dream life, only to unveil the disapproval from those around her. Madison recognizes the complexity of her character, noting Ani's mix of vulnerability and underlying strength. "She's someone who is very vulnerable on the inside but is constantly covering it up with hardness and aggression," she explains, adding that Ani's hope for a happy ending fuels her fight to preserve her dreams.

After premiering at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, "Anora" took home the Palme d'Or, launching Madison into the spotlight. With nearly a decade of acting experience mostly in minor roles, including in "Scream" and Tarantino's "Once Upon A Time in Hollywood," the actress felt that the moments following the festival were surreal. She said, “I have been working for almost a decade now... to think that we had a film in the main competition, and then we won the top prize was crazy.”

The film's reception has propelled Madison into the awards conversation, generating nominations from significant bodies such as the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs. She expresses gratitude and bewilderment at the accolades. "I know that I'm incredibly overjoyed, honoured, and humbled that our film is being recognized in this way... It's overwhelming and amazing," she shared.

Sean Baker, the film's writer and director, specifically crafted the character of Ani for Madison, praising her unique presence both on and off-screen. "She’s so unique...she's actually quite subdued, but then suddenly she can explode," Baker noted about the actress's transformative performance. Madison aptly navigated the film's shifting genres, embracing the challenges that came with integrating elements of romance, drama, and humor.

As the Oscars approach, Madison is poised as a strong contender against seasoned talent like Demi Moore for the Best Actress award. Should she win, she would become one of the youngest recipients of the trophy, joining the ranks of stars like Jennifer Lawrence and Audrey Hepburn. "It's a dream," she reflects, acknowledging the weight and significance of her role in "Anora," now playing in cinemas across the UK.