Mikey Madison’s SNL Debut: Introduction
Oscar-winning actress Mikey Madison stepped onto the Saturday Night Live (SNL) stage for the first time on March 29, marking a major milestone in her career. Fresh off her Best Actress win for Anora at the 2025 Academy Awards, Madison brought her signature charm and wit to the long-running comedy show. Throughout the evening, she delivered a series of hilarious performances, including a playful reference to her pole-dancing skills from her critically acclaimed film.
A Hilarious Nod to Anora
During her opening monologue, Madison wasted no time addressing her role in Anora, a performance that captivated audiences and critics alike. The actress, known for her dedication to authenticity, revealed that she performed her own stunts—including pole dancing—in the film.
“So, it does kind of bother me when people assume it wasn’t actually me on the pole, because it was,” Madison quipped, before adding with a smirk, “And I can prove it right now.”
As the audience cheered, Madison approached a stripper pole positioned nearby. Just as she was about to demonstrate her skills, the scene transitioned humorously to a stunt double—donning a long black wig and a sparkling black dress identical to Madison’s—executing an impressive pole routine. Madison then reappeared on screen, flipping her hair and winking at the camera, effortlessly selling the comedic moment.
Standout Sketches and Performances
Beyond her monologue, Madison embraced the sketch comedy format with ease, starring in a variety of segments that showcased her versatility. Among her memorable sketches were:
- Jury Duty Chaos – Playing an enthusiastic candidate desperate to be picked for jury duty.
- Delivery Room Showdown – Portraying a doctor locked in a tense dispute with a midwife.
- Acting Class Antics – Stepping into the shoes of a student dealing with an over-the-top acting teacher.
Madison’s comedic timing and willingness to poke fun at herself earned her praise from both fans and critics, solidifying her as a dynamic force in Hollywood.
Madison’s Journey to Oscar Glory
Before taking on the SNL stage, Madison had already made waves in Hollywood with her Best Actress win for Anora. The film, directed by Sean Baker, tells the story of a sex worker experiencing an unexpected Cinderella moment. Madison’s performance garnered critical acclaim, earning her multiple awards, including a BAFTA.
During her emotional Oscar acceptance speech, Madison reflected on her journey, acknowledging the sex-worker community, her family, and her fellow nominees, including Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here), and front-runner Demi Moore (The Substance). The night marked a defining moment in her career, propelling her into the Hollywood spotlight.
Musical Guest Morgan Wallen’s Return to SNL
Joining Madison for the night was Morgan Wallen, who returned to SNL as the musical guest. The country singer, 31, performed two songs from his upcoming album I’m the Problem. This appearance marked Wallen’s first return to the show since his 2020 debut—a performance that had initially been postponed due to a COVID-19 protocol controversy.
What’s Next for Madison?
Following the success of Anora and her viral SNL debut, Madison has teased that she’s been receiving exciting new offers. In an exclusive interview, she shared, “There are some things that I am really excited about and have my fingers crossed.” Fans eagerly await her next project, anticipating another show-stopping performance from the rising star.
SNL Returns with More Star Power
For those looking forward to the next episode, Saturday Night Live will return on April 5, featuring Jack Black as host and Elton John & Brandi Carlile as musical guests. As for Madison, her comedic chops and effortless charisma on SNL have left audiences hoping for a return in the future.
Final Thoughts
Mikey Madison’s SNL debut was nothing short of spectacular, combining humor, self-awareness, and undeniable star power. As she continues to rise in Hollywood, her ability to seamlessly transition between drama and comedy proves she’s a force to be reckoned with. Whether it’s through her award-winning performances or lighthearted sketches, Madison’s star is only getting brighter.
For those who missed her SNL episode, clips are available online, and Anora is now available for purchase and streaming.
