Two months ago, when the Oscar nominations had not yet been announced, The Hollywood Reporter maintained its tradition of gathering the possible Oscar nominees in a roundtable for a relaxed chat. They were wrong in their bets because this 2025 Oscar is not at all obvious. At the table were: Zoe Saldaña, Angelina Jolie, Demi Moore, Zendaya, Tilda Swinton, and… Mikey Madison. All of them (especially Zoe) talked a lot, while Angelina and Mikey just watched. This profile of extreme discretion is not necessarily good in Hollywood, but it is making a difference for the Oscars.

Mikey, for example, is not on social media. In the confrontation between Karla Sofía Gascón and Fernanda Torres (in reality, Karla Sofía against all of them), she was the biggest winner. Demi Moore, a legend in the campaign that “it’s her time” is in a film with less appeal, even though she is nominated. Mikey, who plays Anora, comes with vital force at the best time as a surprise and underdog, winning all the awards that could guarantee that the Oscar would already be hers. Without a doubt, she is Fernanda’s great rival next Sunday. And now?

I loved Anora and I loved Mikey, but I don’t think her work is superior to Fernanda’s. But since she is a bit of a mystery, it is worth watching her short rise to the select group of Best Actresses of the Year.

Mikey Madison has stood out in recent years for her remarkable performances in film and television, appearing in productions with great impact has caught the attention of both the public and critics.

The daughter of psychologists, who according to her helped her gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and supported her in everything, Mikey decided she wanted to be an actress when she watched old John Hughes films, especially influenced by Molly Ringwald‘s films, 16 Candles and Pretty In Pink, as well as everything River Phoenix did, of course, including the classic Stand By Me.

She made her debut in the FX series Better Things, but it was in 2019 that she caught the eye when she played the terrifying Susan Atkins in Quentin Tarantino‘s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Susan, or Sadie, was one of the Manson Family’s most loyal followers and the one who killed actress Sharon Tate, but, in Tarantino’s view, she had a different fate, one that is part of one of the most intense and memorable sequences in the film. Her performance drew attention to her intensity and dedication to the character.

She then made a cameo appearance in Hereditary, in a minor role that confirmed her ability to integrate herself into dense psychological narratives and disturbing atmospheres, contributing to the emotional impact of the feature film. She was also praised in 2022’s Scream, where she played yet another unforgettable villain, Amber Freeman. It was here that Sean Baker saw her and immediately idealized her for the main role of Anora.

It was something written in the stars. With the advantage of not yet being well-known to the general public, Mikey simply is Anora, speaking Russian and dancing like the character. Her acting style is marked by an enigmatic presence and an expressive look, which convey complex emotions without the need for great exaggeration. That’s why she has been winning the most important awards, and I bet the SAG will be one of them (later today).

Despite still building her filmography, Mikey Madison has consolidated herself as a name to watch in Hollywood. Her choice of thought-provoking projects and her dedication to acting indicate that her future in the industry promises great performances and memorable characters. She has a clear vision of the directors she wants to work with next, including Alice Rohrwacher, Coralie Fargeat, and Luca Guadagnino. At just 26 years old, she is thinking of a long-term career, eventually directing, but with the plan to “make films until I’m 100”, but only in works that make a difference.

If the Oscar doesn’t go to Fernanda, but to Mikey, she will be in good hands. But I’m still rooting for Fernanda!

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