Interview: Mikey Madison on Embodying ‘Anora’ in Sean Baker’s Modern-Day Cinderella Story [VIDEO]

Since its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it took home the prestigious Palme d’Or, Anora has been at the forefront of critical praise in the film world. Directed by Sean Baker, known for his gritty and humanistic storytelling in films like The Florida Project and Tangerine, Anora is a bold reimagining of a modern-day Cinderella story, infused with Baker’s signature focus on marginalized communities. The film explores the complexities of love and the sex industry through the eyes of its titular character, Anora, played by Mikey Madison (Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, Scream), whose breakout performance has left an indelible mark on audiences across the globe.

At just 25 years old, Madison’s portrayal of Anora (her character prefers Ani), a sex worker navigating survival and hope, has sparked significant Oscar buzz. Many are already predicting her as a top contender for Best Actress in the upcoming awards season, alongside veterans such as Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman. Baker’s decision to cast Madison in this emotionally charged role, paired with her fearless performance, has proven to be a winning combination for the film.

During a recent press day, I had the opportunity to sit down with Madison to discuss her journey preparing for the role as well as some unforgettable experiences on set.

Madison shed light on the unique audition process—or lack thereof—since Baker had written the role with her in mind. Still, she shared a playful story: “Yes, I did send a tape of myself twerking to my director and producer,” she said, laughing. Her mom had asked if she was sure she wanted to do that, but Madison was confident, insisting Baker would love it—and he did.

Madison further discussed the research she conducted on the sex industry to prepare for her role, praising the consultants who provided valuable insights that enriched the film. “They added to the film in such a beautiful, rich, nuanced way.” She also visited clubs in Los Angeles and New York and even shadowed dancers. “It was really valuable to have that experience like a fly on the wall and soak in what that kind of work is like,” she added. Be sure to watch the entire interview below and comment with your thoughts.

When asked what it felt like to receive such strong positive praise from both audiences and critics, she expressed, “It had been a dream of mine for ten years for one of my films to premiere at Cannes,” recalling the entire experience as just “spectacular.”

We then shifted the focus to the awards buzz surrounding her role and how it felt to be in the spotlight. “Maybe I’m processing it, but I love this film so much,” she said smiling. “I’m really happy people are loving the film as much as I do; it means a lot to me.”

NEON will release Anora in theaters on October 18.