In May, Anora won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival largely thanks to Mikey Madison’s breakout performance as the title character: a sex worker, named Ani, who falls for the son of a Russian oligarch.

Sean Baker's “Anora” is by wide consensus one of the year’s best films and a best picture contender at the Oscars.

Sean Baker’s interest in the lives of sex workers began with his 2012 drama “Starlet.” For that film, set around the adult film world of San Fernando Valley, Baker spent time listening to the stories of sex workers.

What’s better than a standing ovation? How about a room full of dancers and sex workers clacking their heels together? That was the sight before “Scream” actor Mikey Madison when she screened her new movie last month.