Mikey Madison has received the Best Actress award at the 97th Academy Awards for her performance in Anora. She portrayed a Brooklyn stripper who experiences an unexpected romance. Madison brought deep emotion, strength, and independence to the role.
Many people have discussed her performance throughout the year, and she was considered one of the strongest contenders in the awards season. On Hollywood’s most prestigious night, she has turned that expectation into a well-earned victory.
She won against a talented group of nominees, including Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Demi Moore (The Substance), and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here).
This victory highlights the strength of independent films, proving that they continue to thrive alongside major blockbusters. Madison’s award recognizes a performance that brings honesty and depth to storytelling.
Best Actress Winners Throughout Oscar History
The Academy Awards have honored many unforgettable performances in the Best Actress category. Since 1929, this award has celebrated leading women in film who bring powerful and emotional performances to the big screen.
The first winner of this award was Janet Gaynor, recognized for her roles in 7th Heaven, Street Angel, and Sunrise. Over the decades, legendary actresses such as Bette Davis, Katharine Hepburn, Meryl Streep, and Frances McDormand have set high standards in the industry. Hepburn holds the record for the most Best Actress wins, with four awards, while Streep has the most nominations, earning 17 in this category and 21 overall.
During the 1970s and 1980s, actresses like Sally Field, Jodie Foster, and Diane Keaton gave remarkable performances. The 2000s and 2010s featured memorable wins from Natalie Portman (Black Swan), Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine), and Frances McDormand (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri).
The Best Actress category has also recognized groundbreaking achievements, such as Halle Berry’s historic win in 2002 for Monster’s Ball, making her the first Black woman to receive this award.
In recent years, the Academy has honored a diverse range of roles, including biopics such as Judy and The Eyes of Tammy Faye, psychological thrillers like Tár, and independent dramas such as Nomadland.
Last year, Emma Stone won for her role in Poor Things. The Best Actress category remains one of the most competitive, celebrating performances that showcase the true power of storytelling.
Stay updated with Otakukart for more coverage from the 97th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California.
Also Read: Anora Movie Ending Explained: What Does The Climax Reveal About The Characters?
