Mikey Madison, 25, surprised to be called ‘sexually athletic’ by John Lithgow, 79

Mikey Madison has revealed her surprise as she received a unique compliment from John Lithgow at the National Board of Review Awards.

Mikey, 25, is the rising star who has received huge praise for her performance in Anora, snagging the NBR Award for Breakthrough Performance in this role on Tuesday night.

Introducing the actress to the stage for her award was John, 79, who was at the ceremony as part of the Conclave cast, which won best ensemble.

John had only just met the actress but praised her performance in the film, rattling off several of its characteristics – one of which made the crowd laugh, and was a bit of a surprise for Mikey.

‘I never thought John Lithgow would call me “sexually athletic”,’ Mikey said in response as she accepted the award.

Her reaction was met with laughter from the crowd, and fans who saw the interaction online also found the interaction humourous.

‘That’s hilarious John Lithgow humor always hits differently,’ saidMananHnz.

‘Congrats to Mikey Madison on the NBR Award! But let’s be real if John Lithgow called me ‘sexually athletic,’ I’d need a week to process and a therapist to unpack it. What a night!’ said BoomerG2892 on X.

Directed by Sean Baker, Anora focuses on a free-spirited Brooklyn-based stripper and sex worker (Madison) who impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch to escape from her life.

The film, released in October, is a love story and smashed the box office, making $31.3 million (£25,153,681.60) against a budget of $6 million (£4,821,792).

The film has also led to huge acclaim for the actress and her nomination for the BAFTA EE Rising Star Award.

Despite the huge critical acclaim, the film struggled at the Golden Globes at the weekend.

Initially voted for an award in five different categories, the film went home with no awards as it was beaten on five occasions.

Despite the shutout at this awards show, there is still plenty of hope for the film as it looks towards the Academy Awards in March, having already secured awards at Cannes and Palme d’Or.

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