Anora is undoubtedly a highlight of Mikey Madison's career, but the actress starred in three other projects that are also worthy of praise. Madison stars as Anora "Ani" Mikheeva, the main character, in Sean Baker's 2024 comedy drama film. Following its premiere, Anora received acclaim from critics and audiences alike (the movie has a 93 percent Tomatometer score and an 89 percent Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes). Anora was applauded for its heartfelt story, authenticity, dialogue, direction, balance of comedy and drama, and, of course, its performances, with a specific focus on Madison.

In addition to Mikey Madison's Best Actress win, Anora won four other Academy Awards — Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Director. Anora star Yura Borisov was also nominated for Best ing Actor but lost to Kieran Culkin for his performance in A Real Pain.

Madison was nominated for and took home various prestigious awards for her role as Ani in Anora, including the Oscar for Best Actress, beating Demi Moore (the odds-on favorite to win at the 2025 Oscars) for her performance in The Substance. The young star also won a BAFTA for Best Actress in a Leading Role and an Independent Spirit Award for Best Lead Performance. As for the Oscars, though Academy voters were seemingly quite impressed with Madison's performance, resulting in an upset over Moore at the 2025 ceremony.

3 Mikey Madison Proved Her Incredible Range In Better Things

Available On Hulu

One of Mikey Madison's first prominent and most underrated roles was as Maxine "Max" Fox in Better Things on FX. She was a part of the comedy drama TV show's cast throughout the entirety of its run, from 2016 to 2022. Madison's character, Max, was the temperamental teenage daughter of Better Things' lead (Pamela Adlon's Samantha "Sam" Fox), and the series revolved around a divorced actress (Sam) raising three kids (Madison's Max, Hannah Alligood's Frankie, and Olivia Edward's Duke).

Although Adlon gets most of the praise regarding cast performances in Better Things, Madison is also a standout in the TV show. Her character would fluctuate between embracing the behavior of a stereotypical teenager to showcasing her worth and ability to be a capable, independent young woman. Madison's range in Better Things is no joke. So, for those who want to see more of the actress after her Oscar win for Anora, you should check out Better Things, available to stream on Hulu.

2 Mikey Madison's Movie Breakout Was In Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Available On Hulu, YouTube TV, fuboTV, & Sling TV

Before ing the Anora cast, Mikey Madison starred in another Academy Award-winning movie — Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood. She played Susan "Sadie" Atkins, a member of the Charles Manson family. Madison's role wasn't big in the 2019 comedy drama compared to other cast (Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, etc.). However, Sadie is involved in one of the most memorable and horrifying moments in Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, solidifying Madison's star status in the acting world.

The Quentin Tarantino movie takes place in 1969 in Hollywood, chronicling the story of an actor whose career is fading and his stunt double. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood also incorporates the Manson family and the Tate murders, which is where Madison's character comes in. Sadie is one of the Manson family involved in the Tate murders. Overall, Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood is a love letter to Hollywood and the film industry in the 1960s, and Madison expertly does her part in making her movie breakout as entertaining and captivating as many say the film is.

1 Mikey Madison Was One Of The Best Parts Of Scream's Reboot

Available On Netflix & Paramount+

Aside from Anora, Mikey Madison's most recognizable role is as Amber Freeman in the cast of Scream. Madison ed the iconic slasher franchise for its fifth movie, and her character was one of the reasons why the reboot worked as well as it did and received positive reviews. Scream (2022) brings fans back to Woodsboro 25 years after the events of the first film. A new Ghostface returns and targets two sisters (Sam and Tara), one of whom is Billy Loomis' daughter. As for Madison's character, Amber is Tara's best friend.

Without spoiling the fifth Scream movie, Madison's character is among the most memorable figures in the horror story. She also gives one of the best performances in the film, as she expertly displays her impressive acting range in each of her scenes. Madison is simply a phenomenal actress, and her appearances in Better Things, Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, Scream (2022), and Anora prove it.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes