LONDON — "Anora" star Mikey Madison, who plays an exotic dancer in Sean Baker's acclaimed film, dedicated her Best Actress win at the BAFTAs on Sunday to "the sex worker community."
Presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, the BAFTAs are the U.K.'s equivalent of the Oscars. During the ceremony, Madison stunned the crowd with an upset victory over "The Substance" star Demi Moore, who was widely expected to win.
"I do want to just take a moment to recognize the sex worker community," said Madison, who had turned to the community in researching her role. "I just want to say that 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."
After taking the top prize at both the Directors Guild Awards and the Producers Guild Awards, "Anora" is currently seen in industry circles as the frontrunner to win Best Picture at the Oscars.
It would be the most sexually explicit film to win Best Picture, as the Academy's only X-rated winner, 1969's "Midnight Cowboy," is tame by comparison.
While Moore remains favored to win the Oscar, Madison's win at the BAFTAs "keeps things spicy," according to showbiz trade Variety.
The Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 2.
Watch Madison's speech at the BAFTAs on YouTube.
