With an emotional acceptance and brilliant performance at the 2025 Oscars, Mikey Madison sninches her first Oscar.
Observed Mikey Madison’s brilliant moment?
On Sunday, March 2, Mikey Madison won the much sought-after gold at the 2025 Oscars in Los Angeles.
Rising over favorite and fellow rookie Demi Moore, the 25-year-old breakthrough actress from Anora seemed stunned as she collected her very first Academy Award.
Did her impassioned speech surprise you?
Mikey arrived on stage at the Dolby Theatre carrying the Best Actress trophy from Emma Stone, the Oscar winner from previous year. Overwhelmed by the event, she called it “surreal.”
Growing up in Los Angeles, she remembered how Hollywood always seemed so far-off, which made her accomplishment seem so personal and historic.
Who she thanked—who would have you guessed?
Mikey took care to acknowledge her crew, everyone behind the movie, and her loving family in the crowd in her moving speech.
She especially expressed thanks to the sex-worker community and her fellow nominees: Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here, Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, Karla Sofía Gascón for Emilia Pérez, and Demi Moore for The Substance.
Does the dream seem to have just started?
Mikey said, clearly incredulous, “This is a dream come true; I’m probably going to wake up tomorrow.”
Her sincere gratitude also went to filmmaker Sean Baker, whose vision made Anora real. Having tracked a sex worker’s own Cinderella narrative, the film has previously won praise at various precursor events, including the BAFTA Awards this year.
Regarding the highlights of the evening, what more is there?
Oscar night was alive with other amazing events. The event gained layers of mystery from Demi Moore’s riveting portrayal as Elisabeth Sparkle in The Substance, Cynthia Erivo’s third mention for her part in Wicked, and Karla Sofía Gascón making history as the first openly transgender candidate.
As just the second Brazilian actress nominated for Best Actress, Fernanda Torres, emulating her mother Fernanda Montenegro, she marked another historic event.
The festive tone of the evening was punctuated by another victory in Best International Feature.
Quick Facts on Mikey Madison’s historic Oscar win:
- First actress was 25-year-old Anona star Mikey Madison.
- In Los Angeles at the 2025 Oscars, she picked up her prize.
- Her moving speech recognized her family, team, and community.
- The film shows a Cinderella journey—that of a sex worker conquering challenges.
- Among the other contenders were Demi Moore, Cynthia Erivo, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Fernanda Torres.
