Warning: Minor SPOILERS lie ahead for Anora!
With the movie quickly becoming one of the best-reviewed of the year for its mix of romance, drama and comedy, Mikey Madison and writer/director Sean Baker are sharing some insight aboutAnora’s big fight sequence. Baker, who has previously helmed such celebrated movies asRed RocketandThe Florida Project, teamed up with rising starMadison forAnora’s cast, which follows an exotic dancer who marries a Russian heir named Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn). However, things get complicated when Vanya’s family doesn’t approve of their marriage.
About halfway through the movie, Vanya’s family’s disapproval leads to Anora getting into a surprising fight with several Russian henchmen. In an interview withEntertainment Weekly, Madison and Baker explained how they approached the brutal fight sequence, and whileMadison admitted she “got a little bruised,“both the director and actor stated how satisfied they were with the outcome. Read their full quotes below:
Madison: I think that physicality is so important for a character. Each character has their own specific way that they walk and fight. It’s something that I always have in the back of my head, and that is really important to me. So I think Ani is very scrappy and willing to just jump into the middle of a fight to get what she needs. But also, as an actor, I really loved that I was able to do all of my own stunts and not have a double. I think it’s important to see my face and for me, as an actor, to actually go through those motions so that I know what it feels like. It’s fun! I got a little bruised, but it was very exciting.
Baker: It was amazing to watch from behind the monitor. Because when you’re rehearsing it, it’s at like quarter-speed: “you’re going to do this, and then you’re going to do this, and then the lamp will fall.” But it’s not until you see it in action that I was just like, “They’re going for it!” For Drew [Daniels], who is my amazing cinematographer, to be able to be that fast and quickly tilt the camera to get that smashing lamp and then go back up to them? Oh my God. Watching that was just as exciting for me.
What Madison’s Involvement In Anora’s Big Fight Meant
It’s Not Her First Stunt-Inclusive Role, But May Be Her Most Important Yet
Earlier in the same interview, Baker emphasized how impressed he was by Madison’s performances in 2019’sOnce Upon a Time in Hollywoodand 2022’sScream. Immediately after watchingher intense performance as one of the Ghostface killers inScream, Baker knew Madison was perfect forAnoraand reached out to her representatives. This led to her starring in Baker’s most recent project and receivingOscar-buzz for her role inAnora.
What Anora’s Name Really Means (& Why She Doesn’t Use It)
Sean Baker’s new movie Anora is named after its titular protagonist, and yet, Mikey Madison’s character uses a nickname the whole time. Here’s why.
The fact that Madison has fought with the likes of Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio onscreen, in addition to portraying a ruthless killer in one of the most iconic horror franchises ever, is truly impressive. In just a few short years,Madison has been able to stand out in several high-profile projects, and has captured the attention of many.Anoramarks her first leading role in a major movie, and based on Madison’s impressive career so far, it will likely be far from her last.
Our Take On Mikey Madison’s Oscar Chances For Anora
As mentioned, as more positivereviews forAnoraget published, it seems more likely that Madison will get nominated for Best Actress at the 2025 Academy Awards. In many publications' early predictions for the 2025 Oscars, Madison is being cited as likely to earn a nomination, andpotentially even be a dark horse candidate to win. Whether or not Madison wins or is even nominated for an Academy Award, the attention she is receiving for her role inAnorais undoubtedly a great sign for her career.
Anora
Cast
Anora’s life takes a dramatic twist when she impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, catapulting her from the streets of Brooklyn to a world of opulence and scrutiny. As her new in-laws arrive with plans to dismantle the hasty union, Anora must navigate the cultural and social chasms between her past and her present. The film, directed by Sean Baker, masterfully blends sharp social commentary with heartfelt drama, painting a vivid picture of love, identity, and the unexpected consequences of a fairytale gone awry.
