Mikey Madison, celebrated actor from 'Anora', opted against working with intimacy coordinators.
Mikey Madison, celebrated actor from 'Anora', opted against working with intimacy coordinators.
Mikey Madison, famed actress from the Anora film, shares her reasoning behind turning down the suggestion of intimacy coordinators for her explicit scenes in the critically acclaimed comedy.
Madison portrays the titular character in Anora, a Brooklyn-based sex worker who lands in a tricky predicament when she meets and swiftly ties the knot with Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), the offspring of a Russian oligarch. Ivan's family is less than thrilled with the hasty union, prompting them to travel from Russia to New York City to annul the marriage.
Anora is crafted and directed by Sean Baker, known for his work on The Florida Project.
In recent Hollywood trends, employing intimacy coordinators for intimate sequences has become the norm. However, Madison revealed during an Actors on Actors discussion with Pamela Anderson for Variety that she declined the offer to have one on set for her intimate scenes in Anora.
"For our film, it was my decision; the filmmakers offered me the option, if I desired, an intimacy coordinator. Mark Eydelshteyn, who portrays Ivan, and I decided it'd be best to keep it low-key," Madison told Anderson. "My character is a sex worker, and I've seen Sean's films and know his commitment to authenticity. I was prepared for it. As an actress, I approached it as a job."
As per SAG-AFTRA, an intimacy coordinator serves as an "advocate, a liaison between actors and production... in regard to nudity and simulated sex and other intimate and hyper-exposed scenes."
Actors on Actors video segments typically celebrate performers within the awards conversation in both film and television. For the current awards season, Madison was paired with Anderson, set to star in the upcoming drama The Last Showgirl.
Anora Garners Notable Attention This Awards Season
The recipient of the Palme d'Or at the 2022 Cannes International Film Festival, Anora has already garnered attention as a frontrunner for various awards.
Alongside its Best Picture nomination and a Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy recognition from the Critics Choice Association and Golden Globes, respectively, Madison has also been nominated for Best Female Actor accolades from both organizations.
Madison has already secured Best Female Actor honors from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the Toronto Film Critics Association, the Phoenix Film Critics Association, the Washington Film Critics Association, and the Atlanta Film Critics Circle.
Anora boasts a 96% "fresh" rating based on 284 critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. The RT Critics Consensus reads, "Sean Baker's latest opus, Anora, features another stellar performance from Mikey Madison, elevating this romantic drama to the bleeding edge of contemporary cinema."
Anora is currently playing in theaters and premiered on PVOD on Tuesday.
- In the cast of 'Anora', Mikey Madison, known for her role in the film, decided against having an intimacy coordinator for her explicit scenes, citing her character's profession and the director's commitment to authenticity.
- Despite the trend of using intimacy coordinators in Hollywood for intimate sequences, 'Anora' director Sean Baker gave Mikey Madison the option, but she chose to handle her scenes with co-actor Mark Eydelshteyn during production.
- At the Critics Choice Awards, 'Anora' was recognized with a Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy nomination, joining its Golden Globes accolade in the same category.
- Mikey Madison, who has already won Best Female Actor honors from various film critic associations for her role in 'Anora', was also nominated for this category at the Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globes.