Mikey Madison finds herself in a remarkable position. For months her focus has been the awards campaign for Anora. This Sean Baker drama centers on an exotic dancer and her whirlwind romance with a wealthy son which takes a turn when his family intervenes. Madison's dedication included events with Pamela Anderson and attending the Golden Globes. Suddenly things changed due to events in Los Angeles.
In early January West Hollywood had clear skies. Despite ongoing fires around the city daily life seemed normal. The Oscar nominations were approaching and Madison was expected to be nominated for best actress for Anora. The campaign however paused due to the serious situation. Thinking about awards felt strange during such times. Madison acknowledged this contrast stating it felt like business as usual while nearby serious events unfolded. She expressed her support for those affected by donating and sending supplies.
Despite early recognition for a best actress nomination after Anora's Cannes debut last May Madison's position is noteworthy. At 25 she could be the youngest winner since Jennifer Lawrence in 2013. She is also unique in transitioning from a Scream role to Oscar nominee in three years. Madison has worked steadily since her teenage years. She recognizes her rapid rise might be unclear now but will make sense later. Madison describes much of this as surreal and that she is processing it slowly.
After six seasons on Better Things as Pamela Adlon’s daughter Madison built a film career with striking roles. One example is her portrayal of Sadie in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood. Madison was a Tarantino fan prior to this role. She connected with him during her audition arriving in vintage clothing barefoot and with a painting as a gift. Baker noted Madison’s performance in Once Upon a Time… and her role in 2022’s Scream when casting Anora.
Baker described Madison as "the whole package". He recalled being impressed by her portrayal of Sadie a character based on Susan Atkins. Baker stated she appears late in Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood and immediately captures attention. He watched the film multiple times to observe her scenes. Baker recognized something different about her from typical Hollywood productions.
Baker again noticed Madison in Scream (2022) finding her "subtly funny". He was then developing a movie about Anora a charming Brooklynite stripper and sought the perfect lead actress. Baker realized Madison was right for the role. He did not audition others contacted Madison’s agent and began filming Anora in New York a year later.
Madison’s parents are psychologists. Her father attended a film event and reportedly analyzed movie characters psychologically. He also enjoys woodworking and photography which Madison describes as "an artist trapped in a psychologist’s body." He created family furniture.
While her parents approach emotions clinically Madison's approach is more instinctive. She explains her work is often intuitive sometimes involving character dissection and psychology while other times relying on feeling. Madison differs from Anora except for their shared liking for long nails. She believes people may have expectations of her that differ from reality. Madison is aware she can only be herself. She is interested in playing extreme characters as it allows exploration and experiencing different lives safely through them.
Her intense performances contrast with her calm real-life persona. Sean Baker was surprised meeting Madison finding her shy and soft-spoken after witnessing her passionate acting. He recognizes her on-screen power exists beneath her quiet exterior.
What Mikey Madison's Casting Journey Means For Anora
Scream's Impact on Oscar Nomination
To prepare Madison for Anora Baker provided movies to watch such as Maurice Pialat’s Loulou and À Nos Amours for Isabelle Huppert's performances. He also included sexploitation films like Female Prisoner Number #701: Scorpion. Initially Madison didn't understand the purpose of Scorpion beyond Baker's genre appreciation. She then identified connections realizing Baker wanted her to grasp the energy of those characters. Baker mentioned he wanted her to watch Scorpion for Anora's fur coat scene leaving the mansion. Madison states sharing these specific film references helped her understand Baker’s intended vibrant and impactful yet unpretentious movie style.
Madison had not previously done on-screen nudity but felt comfortable due to its humorous nature in the script. She noted the humor and silliness within some sex scenes. In one scene her co-star Mark Eydelshteyn lightened tension with a naked roly-poly. Madison felt Anora's sexual content aimed to disarm viewers and humanize sex work rather than just be sensational. For research Madison consulted with sex workers including Andrea Werhun and learned dance fundamentals. She also visited LA strip clubs to observe dancers. Madison mentions making friends within this community. She emphasized the research's importance to portray Ani’s life realistically avoiding negative sensationalism and aiming for authenticity.
With friends Madison visited Sunset Boulevard clubs like the Body Shop. She wanted to observe dancer movements stage presence money collection and interactions with people. Working the pole was initially daunting due to vertigo but her determination to learn overcame her balance concerns. Madison gained respect for dancers recognizing the physical demands and seamless performances.
Madison observed the emotional aspect of sex work beyond the physical demands. She realized the emotional labor of exchanging energies and receiving various emotions throughout a night. She noted the quick development of intimacy in these interactions.
Our Take On Mikey Madison's Anora Performance
Oscar Buzz and Future Prospects
Neon production held Anora screenings for sex workers in Los Angeles and New York. Madison reported overwhelmingly positive responses from these audiences. Many women felt seen after the screening which Madison considered the best possible review. While recognizing the movie couldn't encompass all experiences she hopes it honestly portrays sex workers through one character’s story.
Madison finds the ongoing promotion emotionally draining but moments like the positive screenings are rewarding. As an introvert she is unaccustomed to self-promotion and prefers personal time. Baker notes Madison’s professional growth during Anora's production and promotion. He believes she has found her place knowing how to navigate red carpets and press events.
However self-promotion for Madison is a means to pursue more substantial acting roles. Baker says she aims for a "high-brow" career being selective about future films. He recalls her entry into film at a high level with Tarantino. Madison wants quality work avoiding repetition and typecasting. She seeks variety and is deliberately choosing her next projects. Madison describes acting as emotional and approaches it emotionally taking her time in project selection which she appreciates. She hints at exciting future prospects but avoids specifics. Madison expresses genuine excitement for her future.
Source: GQ, Good Morning America, Deadline