At the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, the Best Actress category yielded one of the night’s most unexpected outcomes. Mikey Madison, a 25-year-old actress, clinched the Oscar for her portrayal of a sex worker in Sean Baker’s “Anora,” surpassing seasoned actress Demi Moore, who was favored to win for her role in “The Substance.”
Madison’s victory was particularly remarkable, positioning her among the youngest Best Actress winners in Oscar history. Her performance in “Anora” had already garnered critical acclaim, earning her awards at the BAFTA Awards and Indie Spirits. In her emotional acceptance speech, Madison honored the sex worker community, pledging ongoing support and recognition.
Demi Moore, at 62, displayed visible disappointment upon hearing the announcement. Body language expert Darren Stanton observed Moore’s reaction, noting her initial disbelief, though he clarified that her demeanor was not malicious. Despite her personal feelings, Moore quickly composed herself, joining the audience in applauding Madison’s achievement.
“Anora” emerged as the night’s most lauded film, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay for Sean Baker, and Best Film Editing. The film’s success underscored the Academy’s recognition of diverse storytelling and performances.
The 2025 Oscars were marked by several notable achievements and surprises. “The Brutalist” garnered three Oscars, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody. “Emilia Pérez” secured Best Supporting Actress for Zoë Saldaña, while “Inside Out 2” won Best Animated Feature. “Wicked” excelled in multiple technical categories, and “Dune: Part Two” took home awards for Best Visual Effects and Best Production Design.
