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The 97th Academy Awards brought both triumph and disappointment, leaving some nominees reeling from the unexpected results. One of the night’s most surprising moments came when 25-year-old Mikey Madison took home the Oscar for Best Actress, an award many had anticipated would go to Demi Moore.
Madison, who starred in the lead role of Sean Baker’s Anora, secured her first Academy Award after an impressive awards season. She had already won a BAFTA for Best Actress and was up against an exceptionally talented group of nominees, including Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Fernanda Torres, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Moore.
For Moore, the loss was particularly shocking. After securing wins at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards for her role as Elisabeth Sparkle in The Substance, she was considered a frontrunner for the Oscar. Many believed she had the momentum to claim the award, making the final result all the more unexpected.
Body language expert Darren Stanton analyzed Moore’s reaction, noting that she appeared visibly distressed. “Demi was absolutely gutted to not win this Oscar,” he observed. “Her facial expressions suggested she was trying to mask her feelings when Mikey was announced as the winner of Best Actress.”
Stanton pointed out that Moore’s initial reaction included widened eyes and a slightly open mouth, signaling disbelief. “Her smiles looked forced and didn’t appear genuine, reflecting the emotional disappointment she felt,” he added.
The outcome immediately ignited debates across social media, with fans sharing mixed reactions. Some expressed outrage, believing Moore had been unfairly overlooked. “Demi Moore losing to Mikey Madison is basically the plot of The Substance,” one user joked. Another fan wrote, “Demi Moore was absolutely snubbed and you’ll NEVER change my mind. The Oscars just proved, square and fair, that they don’t take older women seriously and they don’t take horror seriously.”
Others, however, chose to celebrate Moore’s achievements despite the loss. “On the bright side, Demi Moore had a stellar awards season and has earned the admiration of a new, younger audience,” one fan noted.
Regardless of the outcome, Moore’s career remains strong. Following her critically acclaimed performance in The Substance, which is now available for streaming on MUBI, she is set to star in I Love Boosters, a science fiction comedy directed by Boots Riley. The film features a star-studded cast, including Keke Palmer, LaKeith Stanfield, and Will Poulter.
Meanwhile, Madison continues to ride the wave of success with Anora, a film that has garnered multiple accolades. The movie will be available for streaming on Hulu in the U.S. starting March 17, allowing audiences to experience the performance that won her the prestigious award.
The debate over whether Moore was snubbed will likely continue, but one thing is certain—both actresses delivered standout performances, making this year’s Best Actress race one of the most competitive in recent memory.
