Mikey Madison, In The Middle

by Triston Brewer

The Anora star has captivated audiences with her striking performance that is a star-making vehicle

Every season, a Cinderella story emerges during the buildup to the Oscars and this year – although a few names could be thrown into the arena – one has become synonymous with the term.

Mikey Madison. 

Move over, Hollywood—Mikey Madison is here to stay. What began as a promising career on television and a memorable turn in the Scream franchise has blossomed into a full-blown awards season fairytale. With her breakout role in Sean Baker’s Anora, Madison has not only earned her first Oscar nomination but has also become the talk of Tinseltown. At just 25 years old, she’s proven herself to be one of the most compelling and versatile actresses of her generation, and her journey to the top is nothing short of inspiring.

The Role of a Lifetime

In Anora, Madison stars as the titular character, a New York exotic dancer whose whirlwind romance with the son of a Russian oligarch takes a dramatic turn. The film, which is also nominated for Best Picture, is a gritty, heartfelt exploration of love, class, and identity. Madison’s portrayal of Anora is gritty, vulnerable, and utterly captivating—a performance that has earned her critical acclaim and a BAFTA for Best Actress.

But the role didn’t come easy. Madison immersed herself completely in the character, learning Russian, mastering pole dancing, and even installing a pole in her living room to practice daily. A month before filming, she moved to Brighton Beach, living in an apartment next to an elevated subway to fully embody Anora’s world. Her dedication to the role is a testament to her commitment as an actress and her desire to tell stories that resonate deeply with audiences.

From Television to Movie Success

with director Sean Baker

No actress’ journey is truly an overnight success, and neither is Madison’. Born Mikaela Madison Rosberg in Los Angeles, she grew up as one of five siblings—and the only one without red hair. A former equestrian, she traded horseback riding for acting at 14, craving a deeper emotional connection and a way to express herself creatively. Her big break came at 16 when she was cast as one of Pamela Adlon’s daughters in the critically acclaimed series Better Things.

From there, Madison’s career began to gain momentum. 

She landed a standout role as one of the Manson girls in Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, a performance that showcased her ability to hold her own alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. In 2022, she starred as Amber in the popular Scream franchise, a role that not only solidified her as a rising star but also caught the attention of Sean Baker.

It was her performance in Scream that inspired Baker to write Anora specifically for her. In an interview with Esquire, Madison recalled how Baker approached her after seeing the film, telling her he would start writing the script if she agreed to star. For Madison, it was a dream come true—a chance to work with one of the most visionary directors in independent cinema and to take on a role that would challenge her in ways she had never been challenged before.

A Star on the Rise

Now, Madison is at the heart of this year’s awards season, with Anora nominated for Best Picture and her performance as Anora earning rave reviews. Her BAFTA win was a defining moment, not just for her career but for her as a person. In her acceptance speech, she dedicated the award to the sex worker community, saying, “I see you. You deserve respect and human decency.” It’s this authenticity and empathy that make her not just a star, but a force to be reckoned with.

Madison’s rise to fame is a testament to her talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication to her craft. She’s not just an actress; she’s a storyteller, someone who uses her platform to shine a light on underrepresented voices and to tell stories that matter. Her performance in Anora is a perfect example of this—a portrayal that is as nuanced as it is powerful, and one that has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

The Oscars and Beyond

As the Oscars approach, Madison’s Cinderella story is far from over. With Anora poised to make history as only the 13th film to win both Best Picture and Best Actress, Madison could join the ranks of legends like Frances McDormand, Hilary Swank, and Michelle Yeoh. Whether she takes home the gold or not, one thing’s clear: Mikey Madison has arrived, and she has upended Hollywood, ensuring it will never be the same.

Her journey is a reminder that success in Hollywood isn’t just about talent—it’s about perseverance, devotion, and a willingness to take risks. Madison has all of these qualities in spades, and her future in the industry looks brighter than ever. From her humble beginnings on television to her breakout role in Anora, Mikey Madison has proven that she’s not just a star—she’s a force to be reckoned with. Mikey is in the middle…of a career ascendence.