Mikey Madison Shines in Sean Baker’s ‘Anora’ After Breakthrough Roles

Mikey Madison, the American actress known for her versatile and compelling performances, has once again garnered significant attention with her latest role in Sean Baker‘s film, *Anora*. Released in 2024, *Anora* has marked a career breakthrough for Madison, who plays the title role of a sex worker named Anora “Ani” Mikheeva.

Madison’s journey in the entertainment industry began when she was just 14 years old, transitioning from competitive horseback riding to acting. She made her acting debut in 2013 with appearances in several short films, including *Retirement*, *Pani’s Box*, and *Bound for Greatness*. Her first feature film role came in 2014 with *Liza, Liza, Skies Are Grey*, although the film was not released until 2017.

Her breakout role was as Max Fox in the FX comedy-drama series *Better Things*, a role she held from 2016 to 2022. Madison also gained recognition for her portrayal of Susan “Sadie” Atkins in Quentin Tarantino‘s *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood* (2019) and as Amber Freeman in the horror film *Scream* (2022).

In *Anora*, Madison’s performance has been highly acclaimed. She studied Russian for the role and performed her own stunts, including two fight scenes. The film premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and won the prestigious Palme d'Or, further solidifying Madison’s status as a rising star in Hollywood.

Madison’s dedication to her craft is evident in her preparation for *Anora*. In recent interviews, she discussed the challenges and rewards of portraying such a complex character, highlighting her commitment to authenticity and depth in her acting[4].