Mikey Madison won the Best Actress award for her acclaimed performance in Anora during last night's Oscars ceremony in a surprising upset.
The category has been a nail-biter for weeks as awards pundits are divided on their predictions with Demi Moore (The Substance) emerging as the heavy favorite leading up to the ceremony.
Anora Star Mikey Madison Wins Oscar for Best Actress
Mikey Madison was named as the winner for Best Actress at the 97th Oscars for her performance as tenacious sex worker Anora "Ani" Mikheeva in Anora.
She prevailed over fellow nominees in the category such as Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofia Gascon (Emilia Perez), Demi Moore (The Substance), and Fernanda Torres (I'm Still Here)
The 25-year-old actress' victory was considered to be an upset considering that Moore was deemed the frontrunner to win following her Golden Globe, Critics' Choice, and SAG Award prizes. Torres was also seen as a dark horse due to huge international passion for her film.
However, it was Madison who ended up victorious at the night as part of Anora's sweep as the film also won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.
Mikey Madison's Acceptance Speech
Madison was clearly in a state of shock when presenter Emma Stone called her name as the Best Actress winner.
She first started her speech on stage by thanking The Academy, her family, and everyone who was involved in the making of Anora. She also gave a shoutout to the sex worker community.
"Also thank you to Kennedy Schneider, thank you to our incredible consultants. I also just want to again recognize and honor the sex worker community. I will continue to support and be an ally," the Oscar winner said.
"All of the incredible people, the women I've had the privilege of meeting from that community has been one of the highlights of this entire incredible experience."
Madison concluded her speech by acknowledging her fellow nominees and calling the win a "dream come true." Last but not the least, she thanked the film's director Sean Baker.
What do you think of Madison's Oscar win? Let us know in the comments!
Follow our official Facebook page for more news and explainer articles about your favorite films and TV shows!