Mikey Madison scored another win for Anora.
On Saturday, the 25-year-old actress won the award for best lead performance, film, at the Independent Spirit Awards. While addressing the crowd, she thanked the entire cast and the director, Sean Baker.
“I want to thank Sean Baker. All of this started with you. You are an incredible director, a wonderful friend, incredible chihuahua owner,” she said “I’m so grateful that you came into my life.”
Madison was up against Amy Adams (Nightbitch), Ryan Destiny (The Fire Inside), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Keith Kupferer (Ghostlight), Demi Moore (The Substance), Hunter Schafer (Cuckoo), Justice Smith (I Saw the TV Glow), June Squibb (Thelma) and Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice), who she said she was “honored to be nominated” alongside. Last week, Madison won the BAFTA for best leading actress.
Madison also addressed Baker’s wife and producer on the film, Samantha Quan, for being “the most incredible, beautiful person in the world.”
Baker has been vocal about writing the role of Anora (or Ani) — a sex worker who falls for the son of a Russian oligarch — for Madison after seeing her performances in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett’s Scream.
Anora won big at the Spirit Awards, winning best feature and best director for Baker, who gave a heartfelt speech advocating for the indie film business. Madison is nominated for best actress at the Oscars on March 2.
See all of the winners from the 40th annual Spirit Awards here, and all the stars that hit the red carpet here.
English (US) ·