Podcast Summary: All Of It – Episode: Best Picture Nominee: Anora

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, the focus is on the critically acclaimed film Anora. The episode spotlights Mikey Madison, an actress known for her role in Better Things, whose performance in Anora has earned her an Oscar nomination. The discussion delves into Madison's immersive preparation for her character, Annie, the intricacies of her performance, and the film's journey in the awards circuit.

Interview with Mikey Madison

Opening Conversation
Alison Stewart introduces Mikey Madison, highlighting her transition from television to a prominent role in Anora. Stewart sets the stage by describing Madison's dedication to embodying Annie, a tenacious sex worker, through intensive research and personal immersion in the film's setting.

Character Development and Collaboration with Sean Baker

When discussing the genesis of her character, Madison shares:

"...when Sean Baker reached out to me, it was kind of out of the blue. I had just had a horror film premiere and he went to see it opening weekend and we had coffee just a handful of days later and he said, hey, here's an idea I have for my next film and if you want to do it. I'll write it for you."
— Mikey Madison (03:23)

Madison elaborates on the collaborative process with director Sean Baker, emphasizing the importance of understanding Annie's inner world:

"...I needed to know everything about her so that if someone were to ask me any kind of question about Annie, I would. I would know I'd be able to answer without any hesitation."
— Mikey Madison (03:34)

Exploring Annie’s Personality and Style

Madison discusses Annie’s fashion choices as a reflection of her character's aspirations and persona:

"I think she's trying to look expensive. So if you're to ask her her favorite designer, she would probably say like Chanel or Prada, because she wants a Chanel bag or she wants a Prada purse... she wears this big, extravagant, expensive fur coat for a lot of the film... it is her dream encompassed into one piece of clothing."
— Mikey Madison (04:16)

Immersive Preparation: Living in Brighton Beach

To authentically portray Annie, Madison relocated to Brighton Beach, immersing herself in the community and the lifestyle of her character. She explains:

"I was able to continue my research into sex work and spend lots of time at the club my character worked at and also just get to understand Brighton beach and... work on the accent, too."
— Mikey Madison (07:13)

Mastering the Accent

Madison reflects on the challenges of adopting Annie’s Brooklyn accent:

"...it was about fine tuning it and adding little details here and there. But I have to say, the accent was something that I think came kind of quickly, and I was able to get to a place really quickly."
— Mikey Madison (09:08)

She emphasizes the importance of making the accent feel natural and lived-in, contrasting it with her own softer speaking style.

Analyzing Key Scenes

Proposal Scene
Alison plays a clip depicting the pivotal moment when Vanya, Annie’s wealthy suitor, proposes marriage. Madison comments on the emotional arc of the scene:

"I think that when he proposes to her, at first she thinks it's a joke and then realizes it's real... she hit the lotto, like they say in the film."
— Mikey Madison (11:13)

Confrontation with Vanya’s Parents
Madison narrates her experience filming a confrontation scene where Annie resists Vanya’s parents' attempts to annul the marriage:

"I did my own stunts in the film, and so it was very tightly choreographed... it was very intense. And I felt safe the whole time, but exhilarating and such a strange experience."
— Mikey Madison (13:04)

She praises her co-star Yura Borisov for his commitment, which heightened the authenticity of the fight scenes.

Filming Experiences and Directorial Approach

Madison discusses director Sean Baker's unique filming style, particularly his preference for dynamic camera work and long takes:

"Sean is the kind of director where he's not a big, like, shot, reverse shot, master shot kind of director. He likes to do things either in one take or... do something really dynamic with the camera."
— Mikey Madison (14:02)

This approach required meticulous choreography and a deep emotional connection to the scenes, enhancing the film's raw and authentic feel.

Oscar Nomination and Personal Reflections

Upon learning about her Oscar nomination, Madison shares a heartfelt moment:

"I was just in a hotel room on FaceTime with my mom and dad and my brother and my dog."
— Mikey Madison (16:03)

She expresses a mix of disbelief and joy, acknowledging the surreal nature of the achievement while appreciating her family's support.

Community and Cultural Impact

Throughout the conversation, Madison underscores the importance of portraying complex, resilient female characters and the cultural conversations they inspire. Her dedication to Annie not only brings depth to the character but also reflects broader societal themes surrounding identity, empowerment, and resilience.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the interview by congratulating Mikey Madison on her Oscar nomination and teasing future discussions on Best Picture contenders. The episode offers listeners an in-depth look into the making of Anora, highlighting Mikey Madison's transformative performance and the collaborative spirit behind the film's success.

Note: All timestamps referenced correspond to the provided transcript and reflect the points at which the quotes were made during the podcast episode.