Palm Springs Film Awards Honors Mikey Madison for “Anora” with Breakthrough Performance Award
The Palm Springs International Film Awards has announced that Mikey Madison will receive the Breakthrough Performance Award for her role in the Palme d’Or-winning film "Anora." The prestigious awards ceremony is set to take place on January 3, 2025, at the Palm Springs Convention Center in California, as part of the larger festival running from January 2–13, 2025.
Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi praised Madison’s performance, stating, “Since winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes, 'Anora' has been the most talked about film this season. What makes this film so outstanding is Mikey Madison’s mesmerizing breakout role that serves as the heart and soul of this story. It is our honor to present the Breakthrough Performance Award to this talented actress in celebration of her outstanding work and star-making performance.”
Mikey Madison joins a notable list of past recipients of the Breakthrough Performance Award, including Da’Vine Joy Randolph ("The Holdovers"), Danielle Deadwyler ("Till"), Lupita Nyong’o ("12 Years a Slave"), and Marion Cotillard ("La Vie en Rose"). Several of these honorees went on to receive Academy Award nominations or wins, cementing the significance of this accolade as a career milestone.
Sean Baker’s "Anora" is a bold, comedic reimagining of a modern Cinderella tale. Madison stars as Ani, a young sex worker from Brooklyn whose impulsive marriage to Vanya, the son of a Russian billionaire, leads to a series of chaotic and thrilling events. The film’s audacious narrative and Madison’s captivating performance have positioned the actress as a breakout star of the season.
Known for her work in FX’s critically acclaimed series "Better Things," Madison has rapidly ascended as a prominent figure in Hollywood. Her recent credits include "Scream 5" and Quentin Tarantino’s "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," where she starred alongside Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Margot Robbie. She is also set to appear in the Apple TV+ limited series "The Lady in the Lake," opposite Natalie Portman, debuting in July.
Other honorees at this year’s Palm Springs Film Awards include Colman Domingo, who will receive the Spotlight Award for his work, and Jacques Audiard’s team behind "Emilia Pérez," which earned the Vanguard Award. Presented by Silvercrest and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight, the ceremony continues to celebrate outstanding achievements in film, providing a platform for trailblazing talent like Madison.