Demi Moore was left deeply disappointed after losing the Best Actress award at the 2025 Academy Awards to Anora star Mikey Madison.
After winning a Golden Globe in the same category, the Substance actress had high hopes of finally taking home her first-ever Oscar.
However, despite her strong performance and industry recognition,
it was Madison who emerged victorious, leaving Moore struggling to process the loss.
A Long-Awaited Moment Slips Away
At 62, Moore had been considered a frontrunner for the Best Actress award after delivering a compelling performance in The Substance.
In the film, she portrayed Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging celebrity who discovers a black-market drug that allows her to temporarily transform into a younger, idealized version of herself. The horror film received widespread acclaim, and Moore’s portrayal was hailed as one of the best performances of her career.
According to an insider, the loss was particularly hard for Moore because she genuinely believed this was her year. “Demi is taking this very hard because she felt like this was finally her chance to take home an Academy Award,” the source shared. “After winning the Golden Globe, she was really hopeful that she had secured this win.”
Mixed Emotions Amid Celebration
Despite her disappointment, Moore maintained grace throughout the evening. She was reportedly thrilled for Madison and the other nominees, including Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), and Cynthia Erivo (Wicked). However, the moment her competitor’s name was announced over hers was undeniably heartbreaking.
“Of course, it was a huge disappointment not hearing her name be called,” the source added. “She really poured herself into this role, and it would have meant the world to her to be recognized with an Oscar.”
A video circulating on social media showed Moore reacting to the announcement, appearing visibly tense and clenching her jaw. Though she quickly masked her emotions, the moment did not go unnoticed by fans who were hoping to see her win.
An Outpouring of Support
While the loss stung, Moore was met with overwhelming support throughout the evening. At the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, numerous attendees made sure to express their admiration for her work in The Substance. “A ton of people came up to Demi at the afterparty to show their love and support for her performance,” the insider revealed.
Industry peers and fans alike have praised Moore’s ability to take on daring roles later in her career. Many believe her performance in The Substance was one of the best of the year, and some critics have even argued that she was unfairly snubbed.
Mikey Madison’s Victory
At just 25 years old, Madison’s win marked a significant milestone in her career. As she took the stage to accept her award, she appeared overwhelmed with emotion, delivering a heartfelt speech while clutching her Oscar. Madison’s performance in Anora, a film that explores the struggles of a young woman navigating a complex and dangerous world, had been widely praised leading up to the ceremony.
Moore, despite her disappointment, was gracious in defeat, applauding as Madison took the stage. She later shared words of encouragement for all the nominees, recognizing the immense talent in the category.
What’s Next for Demi Moore?
Although the night didn’t end the way she had hoped, Moore’s performance in The Substance has further cemented her reputation as a powerhouse actress. Many believe this loss will only fuel her determination to continue taking on challenging roles and pushing the boundaries of her craft.
With multiple upcoming projects in the pipeline, including another major drama set for release next year, Moore isn’t slowing down anytime soon. While an Oscar win remains elusive for now, her contributions to the film industry and her ability to reinvent herself continue to earn her widespread respect.
The heartbreak of this loss may linger, but if there’s one thing Demi Moore has proven throughout her decades-long career, it’s that she is resilient. And with such a strong performance behind her, it may only be a matter of time before she finally secures that long-awaited Academy Award.
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