Mikey Madison, the Oscar-winning star of Anora, took the Saturday Night Live stage for the first time on Saturday, delivering an opening monologue that blended humor, defiance, and a jaw-dropping performance. Addressing skeptics who questioned her pole-dancing prowess in the acclaimed stripper dramedy, Madison didn’t just talk the talk—she brought out a muscular alter ego to flip, spin, and silence the doubters in style.
Fresh off a whirlwind awards season that saw Anora snag five Oscars—including Madison’s Best Actress win—the actress used her SNL debut to reflect on her breakout role. “I performed all my own stunts for the film, including all the dancing, so it does kind of bother me when people assume it wasn’t actually me on the pole, ’cause it was,” she told the Studio 8H crowd. “I can prove it right now.” Cue the cheers as the stage shifted, unveiling a ripped performer in Madison’s outfit who executed a series of gravity-defying moves—think handstand pushups and pole-scaling finesse. It was a cheeky, triumphant jab at the criticism, proving her point with a wink and a flex.
From Oscar Gold to SNL Spotlight
Madison’s hosting gig marks her latest high-profile moment following Anora’s critical and commercial success. The film, a raw and riveting look at a sex worker’s life, catapulted her into the Hollywood spotlight, earning her accolades for both her acting and her dedication to mastering the pole-dancing sequences. On SNL, she leaned into the lighter side of fame, joking about her hectic month: “I had a crazy month, so in April, I’m going to bed.” The line landed with the audience, showcasing her knack for self-aware humor—a skill that’s quickly becoming as notable as her dramatic chops.
Joining Madison for the night was musical guest Morgan Wallen, the country crooner behind hits like “7 Summers.” Wallen, making his second SNL appearance after a 2020 debut, complemented Madison’s milestone moment with performances that underscored his own rising star power. Together, they anchored an episode that felt like a celebration of fresh talent thriving under pressure.
Beyond the Monologue: A Night of Highlights
The episode didn’t stop at Madison’s monologue. A standout sketch featured cast member Marcello Hernández as an exuberant acting coach dishing out absurd tips on booking gigs, drawing big laughs and keeping the energy high. It was a perfect follow-up to Madison’s opener, reinforcing the night as one of SNL’s strongest outings in its milestone 50th season.
For Madison, the hosting stint doubles as a victory lap and a proving ground. Her Anora performance—gritty, physical, and emotionally raw—left an indelible mark on audiences and critics, and her SNL debut showed she’s just as comfortable in comedy as she is in drama. The pole-dancing spectacle wasn’t just a stunt; it was a statement about her work ethic and a reminder of the authenticity she brought to the film.
As SNL continues to roll out its golden anniversary season, Madison’s appearance adds a fresh chapter to the show’s legacy of spotlighting Hollywood’s brightest. With Anora still resonating and new projects on the horizon, she’s cementing her status as a versatile force in the industry. For now, though, she’s earned her rest—April’s nap can’t come soon enough after a month that’s kept her, and her fans, buzzing.
Madison’s SNL debut wasn’t just a hosting gig; it was a masterclass in turning skepticism into spectacle. And if this is what she brings to her first time at the mic, Hollywood better brace itself for what’s next.
