Anora’s debut at the Cannes Film Festival garnered significant attention, with Mikey Madison emerging as a strong contender for Best Actress. Although the film did not win the Palme d’Or, it ultimately claimed the prestigious award, marking a historic win for director Sean Baker. Madison’s transformative performance, celebrated on her 25th birthday, showcased her range as an actress. Prior roles in Better Things, Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, and Scream highlight her impressive journey and establish her as a rising star.
Anora’s Impact at Cannes Film Festival
Following Anora’s presentation in competition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the feedback was nearly unanimous. While Sean Baker’s latest film may not have been a frontrunner for the Palme d’Or, it undeniably shone brightly thanks to Mikey Madison, who emerged as a strong contender for the Best Actress Award alongside esteemed actresses Zoe Saldana and Karla Sofia Gascon.
Just days later, the accolades were awarded to Emilia Perez’s actresses in this highly competitive category, while Anora clinched the coveted Palme d’Or. This victory marked a significant milestone, making Sean Baker the first American director to win since Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life in 2011. Though the award celebrated the film as a whole, Mikey Madison’s performance played a crucial role, especially as she celebrated her 25th birthday on the same day.
Throughout her remarkable visit to France, Mikey Madison revealed a more reserved side during interviews compared to her on-screen persona. She remarked, ‘I often feel like I’m playing characters very different from who I am.’ She elaborated on her role in Anora, stating, ‘Just in terms of physicality and voice, it’s really very different.’
‘Her sensitivity and the way she presents herself to the world are different from anything I’ve done. I felt like I was constantly pushing myself out of all the comfort zones I might have had before to embody this character. Every day, I felt like I was challenging myself in one way or another to be true to the character, but that’s also what was exciting.’
If you discovered Mikey Madison through her captivating performance in Anora, here are three other pivotal roles that paved the way for her success.
Her Journey Through Notable Roles
Better Things (2016 – 2022)
Recently, Mikey Madison showcased her talent alongside Natalie Portman in La Voix du lac on Apple TV+. However, her journey began on the small screen with the series Better Things. At just 17 years old, she took on the role of Max, the eldest daughter of a single mother striving to balance her acting career, three children, and a tumultuous love life.
Spanning five seasons and 52 episodes, Mikey’s presence was felt throughout the series, even as she shared the spotlight with Pamela Adlon, the lead actress and creator. Mikey’s character, Max, navigated the complexities of adolescence and adulthood, culminating in a heartfelt storyline that resonated deeply with audiences, particularly during a poignant moment in the final season.
Through her portrayal, viewers witnessed the evolution of a complex young woman who, despite her rebellious nature, displayed a tender side toward her sisters. The nuanced writing by Pamela Adlon, combined with Mikey Madison’s stellar performance, created a memorable character that foreshadowed what was to come in Anora.
Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)
Amidst a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, Mikey Madison also made her mark in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood. Although the film highlighted well-known names, Mikey’s role added depth to the narrative, especially in her chilling portrayal of Susan Atkins, a member of the Charles Manson Family.
In a striking reimagining of the infamous events surrounding Sharon Tate, Tarantino crafted an intense finale where Mikey’s character faced a grim fate. The film’s extreme violence culminated in a memorable scene that showcased her ability to command attention, leaving an indelible mark on viewers and further solidifying her place in the industry.
Scream (2022)
For fans of the horror genre, Mikey Madison’s role in Scream (the fifth installment, not the original) is unforgettable. Portraying Amber Freeman, one of the film’s Ghostface killers, she brought a fresh perspective to the beloved franchise. Her character’s intricate backstory, intertwined with the legacy of the Stab films, set the stage for a thrilling narrative twist.
In a climactic showdown, Amber confronts iconic characters Sidney Prescott and Gale Weathers, showcasing her range as an actress. The sequence, filled with suspense and unexpected outcomes, culminates in a fiery display that echoes her earlier work in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, further emphasizing her talent for delivering intense performances.
As she continues to evolve in her craft, Mikey Madison is undoubtedly a rising star to watch in the film industry, captivating audiences with each new