Mikey Madison walked away from tonight's BAFTAs as Best Leading Actress for her role in Anora and took time during her speech to thank 'the sex worker community' after spending time with them during her research for the film.
Madison - who wore custom Prada and vintage Tiffany on the night - has spoken in the run-up to awards season about how she shadowed sex workers and worked hard to learn pole dancing for the part of Ani, a young sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch.
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In her speech, Madison took time to 'recognise the sex worker community. I just want to say I see you, you deserve respect and human decency. I will always be a friend and an ally, and I implore others to do the same.'
Speaking to Screen International, Madison previously said of the preparation for the film: 'The research into sex work was vital. I shadowed dancers and that was incredibly impactful to understand the etiquette of the club she works at, how difficult a job it is, and what it entails. I was able to pick up bits of conversation and add nuance to the character.'
Starting her speech, Madison acknowledged she was an outsider for the prize, saying 'I probably should’ve listened to my publicist when she told me to write a speech.'
She thanked her mother for driving her to auditions, before turning her attention to director and creator of Anora, Sean Baker.
'Thank you so much Sean Baker,' she said. 'I just adore you. You are such an incredible person. I know you hate it when I praise you but I just have to, you made my dreams come true.'
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