Mikey Madison Wins Oscar For Best Actress In ‘Anora,’ Pays Tribute To ‘Sex Worker Community’

Actress Mikey Madison won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Anora. In her acceptance speech, she also paid tribute to the sex worker community.

“This is very surreal,” Madison, nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in Anora, stated while onstage for the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday night.

“Thank you so much to the Academy,” she mentioned, reading off paper. “I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away. So, to be here, standing in this room today, is really incredible. I also just want to, again, recognize and honor the sex worker community. I will continue to support and be an ally.”

“All of the incredible people, the women that I’ve had the privilege of meeting from that community, has been one of the highlights of this incredible – this entire incredible experience,” Madison shared. “I also just want to recognize the thoughtful, intelligent, beautiful, breathtaking work of my fellow nominees. I’m honored to be recognized alongside all of you. This is a dream come true.”

Madison was nominated at the Oscars alongside Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here, Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, Karla Sofía Gascón for Emilia Pérez and Demi Moore for The Substance.

Madison also paid tribute to the sex worker community during her acceptance speech at the BAFTA Awards, where she won an award for her performance in Sean Baker’s romantic comedy-drama. 

“I do want to take a moment to recognize the sex worker community,” she said in her speech. I just want to say that I see you. You deserve respect and human decency. I will always be a friend and an ally, and I implore others to do the same.”