Mikey Madison is a renowned American actress best known for her compelling performances in both television and film. Rising to fame with her role in the FX series Better Things, she further solidified her place in Hollywood with standout performances in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Scream (2022), and the critically acclaimed Anora (2024). Her portrayal in Anora earned her an Academy Award and a BAFTA, making her one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation.
Early Life and Background Born as Mikaela Madison Rosberg on March 25, 1999, in Los Angeles, California, Mikey Madison grew up in a family of psychologists. She has a twin brother and multiple siblings. Raised in the San Fernando Valley, she initially pursued competitive horseback riding before shifting her focus to acting at age 14. Madison was homeschooled from the seventh grade onward, allowing her to dedicate time to her craft. She follows a vegan lifestyle and continues to reside in Los Angeles.
Career Highlights
Early Career (2013–2023)
Mikey Madison began her acting career in 2013 with roles in short films like Retirement and Pani’s Box. In 2014, she appeared in Bound for Greatness and later starred in Liza, Liza, Skies Are Grey, a film released in 2017. Her breakthrough came in 2016 when she landed the role of Max Fox in the critically acclaimed FX series Better Things, a role she portrayed until 2022.
In 2019, Madison gained significant recognition for her portrayal of Susan “Sadie” Atkins, a member of the Manson Family, in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and grossed over $374 million worldwide. That same year, she voiced Candi the Barista in the animated film The Addams Family.
Madison’s career continued to flourish with her performance as Amber Freeman in Scream (2022). The film was both a critical and commercial success, ranking among the highest-grossing films of the year. Critics praised her for bringing depth to the character, with The A.V. Club highlighting her as a standout performer.
Breakthrough with Anora (2024–Present)
Mikey Madison’s career reached new heights with her leading role in Sean Baker’s 2024 film Anora. Playing the titular character, a Brooklyn-based stripper who becomes entangled in the world of wealth and power, Madison delivered a career-defining performance. Baker, impressed by her previous work in Scream and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, wrote the role specifically for her.
To prepare for Anora, Madison trained extensively, learning Russian and performing her own stunts, including two fight sequences. The film premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Palme d’Or. Upon its theatrical release, Anora became a global hit, earning over $40 million against a modest $6 million budget. Critics, including Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, lauded her performance, with Richard Lawson praising her Brooklyn accent and commanding screen presence.
At the 97th Academy Awards, Madison won the Oscar for Best Actress, making her the first Gen Z performer to achieve this honor. She also secured the BAFTA for Best Actress in a Leading Role, along with nominations for a Golden Globe and a SAG Award.
Filmography
Film
- Liza, Liza, Skies Are Grey (2017) – Liza
- Monster (2018) – Alexandra Floyd
- Nostalgia (2018) – Kathleen
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) – Susan “Sadie” Atkins
- The Addams Family (2019) – Candi the Barista (Voice)
- It Takes Three (2021) – Kat Walker
- Scream (2022) – Amber Freeman
- All Souls (2023) – River
- Anora (2024) – Anora “Ani” Mikheeva
Television
- Better Things (2016–2022) – Maxine “Max” Fox (Main Role)
- Imposters (2017–2018) – Young Maddie (Guest Role)
- Lady in the Lake (2024) – Judith Weinstein (Miniseries)
Awards and Nominations
Major Awards
- Academy Award (2025) – Best Actress (Anora) – Won
- BAFTA Award (2025) – Best Actress in a Leading Role (Anora) – Won
- Golden Globe Award (2025) – Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Anora) – Nominated
- SAG Award (2025) – Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role (Anora) – Nominated
- Independent Spirit Award (2025) – Best Lead Performance (Anora) – Won
- National Board of Review (2024) – Breakthrough Performance (Anora) – Won
Critical Acclaim and Industry Recognition Mikey Madison has been widely recognized for her versatility and ability to bring depth to complex characters. Her performance in Anora sparked discussions about sex work representation in film, drawing both praise and critique. Greta Gerwig, head of the Cannes jury, described Anora as “a fresh and deeply rooted cinematic masterpiece.”
Madison’s continued success has positioned her as one of Hollywood’s most promising young actresses. With a growing fan base and a repertoire of diverse roles, she is expected to take on even more challenging projects in the coming years.
Final Thoughts Mikey Madison’s journey from indie short films to Academy Award-winning performances showcases her dedication and talent. With critically acclaimed roles in Anora, Scream, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, she has proven herself as a force in the entertainment industry. As she continues to take on bold roles, her future in Hollywood looks brighter than ever.
