Mikey Madison’s performance in Anora is generating Oscar buzz. It’s a career-defining role, for which she deserves all the awards.
It’s obviously indecent to gloat about the misfortune of others — but, in the case of this year’s Oscars race, I have to confess that I couldn’t be happier that Netflix’s Emilia Pérez has flamed out on account of its controversial star whose resurfaced problematic tweets have made her persona non grata on the awards circuit. Because that’s provided a vacuum that Anora, from director Sean Baker, looks set to fill. “After this weekend,” Fast Company predicts, “Anora is the new Best Picture front-runner.”
Baker’s Anora was certainly one of the most exciting films to emerge from last year’s festivals, earning widespread acclaim for its raw storytelling, urgent social commentary, and standout performances. But if there’s one aspect of the film that deserves to be shouted from the rooftops, it’s star Mikey Madison’s career-defining turn in the lead role.
I finally got around to watching the movie, and I get it now. Madison’s performance is nothing short of revelatory — and with the Oscars just around the corner, I’m not surprised at all that she’s at the forefront of the Best Actress conversation.
