Anora wins big at the 2025 Oscars, taking home five awards out of six nominations, including Best Actress for its lead star, Mikey Madison.
From her breakout role in FX’s Better Things to her Oscar-winning performance in Anora, Madison has defied expectations with this major victory, surpassing front-runner Demi Moore.
Moore had been on a redemption arc throughout awards season, securing Best Actress wins at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Critics' Choice Awards, for her role as Elisabeth Sparkle, a fitness show TV host who tries a radical antidote to aging, in The Substance.
For the 25-year-old star, the moment was truly a "dream come true." She expressed her gratitude, saying, "Hollywood always felt so far away from me, so to be here standing in this room today is really incredible."
Since making her acting debut in 2012, Madison has showcased her versatility and talent across a wide range of roles.
Here are 10 other films and shows that shaped her journey to Oscar glory.
1. Better Things (2016-2022)
Madison made her acting debut on the small screen in FX’s comedy-drama series Better Things, created by Louis C.K. and lead star Pamela Adlon.
She played Max Fox, the sullen teenage daughter of Sam (Adlon), a single mother juggling her acting career while raising three daughters.
As Max faces the challenges of being a young adult, Madison’s performance is both magnetic and relatable, making it her breakout role and earning her widespread praise for her talent.
2. Liza, Liza, Skies are Grey (2017)
Liza, Liza, Skies Are Grey was Madison’s first feature film, though it wasn’t released until 2017 despite being filmed in 2014.
Marking her big-screen debut, the American actress received praise for her performance as Liza, a young woman embarking on a road trip with her boyfriend before leaving for college in 1960s California.
Madison delivers an earnest and heartfelt portrayal, capturing the bittersweet emotions of young love and self-discovery in this indie gem directed by Oscar-winner Terry Sanders.
3. Imposters (2017-2018)
Madison returned to the small screen in Bravo’s dark comedy Imposters, guest-starring as the young Maddie/Nicky from 2017 to 2018.
The series follows con artist Maddie (Inbar Lavi), who deceives both men and women, leaving them "used and robbed of everything—including their hearts."
Madison appears in flashbacks as a younger version of Maddie, and though her role is brief, her performance leaves a lasting impact, offering a glimpse of her incredible acting talent.
4. Monster (2018)
In 2018, Madison appeared in the drama film Monster, a courtroom thriller about 17-year-old honor student Steve Harmon (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), whose world unravels after he is charged with felony murder.
Though her role as Alexandra Floyd is not central to the story, her interactions with Steve provide deeper insight into his life and choices.
The film explores themes of justice and identity, with Madison’s performance adding to its emotional depth.
5. Nostalgia (2018)
That same year, Madison appeared in Mark Pellington’s Nostalgia.
Featuring an ensemble cast including Jon Hamm, Catherine Keener, John Ortiz, Nick Offerman, James LeGros, Bruce Dern, and Ellen Burstyn, the film explores the lives of several people connected by loss.
Madison plays Kathleen, whose storyline intertwines with others as the movie delves into themes of memory and grief.
Though not a major role, her performance adds depth to the film, contributing to its emotional resonance.
6. Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)
Madison earned recognition in 2019 for her role as Manson Family member Susan “Sadie” Atkins in Quentin Tarantino’s period drama Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.
Set against the backdrop of late-1960s Hollywood, the film follows actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) as they navigate a changing industry.
Madison delivers a chilling performance in a pivotal scene that results in her death, marking the beginning of her true rise to fame and making the film one of the most significant in her career.
Though her role was small, it left a lasting impression, showcasing her talent.
In fact, at the 2025 Oscars, when director Sean Baker received his Best Director award from Tarantino himself, he told him, "If you didn’t cast Mikey Madison... there’d be no Anora."
7. It Takes Three (2021)
A modern twist on Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play Cyrano de Bergerac, It Takes Three is a 2021 romantic comedy about social media-savvy teenagers navigating love and identity.
Madison plays Kat, one of the film’s major characters. While the story is lighter compared to her other projects, it highlights her versatility as an actress.
8. Scream (2022)
Madison joined the Scream franchise in 2022, starring as Amber Freeman in the fifth installment, directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett.
In the film, she shocked audiences by revealing herself as one of the killers behind the Ghostface mask, responsible for the brutal murder of Sheriff Dewey Riley (David Arquette).
As a fresh face in the long-running franchise, Madison brought new energy to this modern revival.
9. All Souls (2023)
Madison took on the lead role in the 2023 thriller All Souls, starring as River, a single mother forced to become a police informant against her child’s father—an infamous drug lord.
Delivering a powerful performance, Madison portrays a woman torn between protecting her daughter and confronting the dangers she faces.
Her compelling portrayal of River makes this one of the standout roles of her career.
10. Anora (2024)
Of course, no list would be complete without Anora. Madison takes on the titular role of a stripper and sex worker in a part that director Sean Baker specifically wrote for her after seeing her performances in Scream and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood.
To prepare, she learned Russian and performed her own stunts, including two fight scenes.
Her nuanced portrayal of Anora—a woman whose life takes a dramatic turn after marrying the son of a Russian oligarch, only to face even darker challenges upon meeting his family in New York—made her a strong contender throughout awards season.
Ultimately, her performance earned her the Best Actress honor at the 2025 Oscars, placing her among Hollywood’s elite.
From drama to horror to comedy, Madison has proven she can take on any role, solidifying herself as one of Hollywood’s most promising talents.
Now, with an Oscar under her belt, fans can look forward to even more from this rising star.