The 97th Academy Awards saw a stunning upset when 25-year-old Mikey Madison took home the Best Actress award, beating out a talented lineup of contenders, including Demi Moore. The 62-year-old actress had been widely considered a top contender following an impressive awards season. According to body language expert Darren Stanton, Moore’s reaction to the loss was one of shock, disappointment, and frustration.
Madison’s victory marked a major milestone in her career, as it was her first Oscar nomination and win. Her performance in Sean Baker’s critically acclaimed film Anora had already earned her significant recognition, including a Best Actress win at the 2025 BAFTAs. Despite the stiff competition, many had expected Moore to walk away with the Oscar, given her dominance throughout awards season.
Moore’s portrayal of Elisabeth Sparkle in The Substance had already earned her a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. With such momentum behind her, industry insiders and fans alike believed the Oscar was hers to lose. However, when Madison’s name was called, Moore’s reaction suggested a mix of shock and deep disappointment.
According to Stanton, Moore’s body language made it evident that she was struggling to process the moment. “Demi was absolutely gutted to not win this Oscar,” Stanton explained. “Her facial expressions suggested she was trying to mask her feelings when Mikey was announced as the winner of Best Actress.” Stanton noted that Moore’s smiles looked forced and didn’t appear genuine, reflecting the emotional disappointment she felt.
Moore’s loss has sparked passionate discussions across social media, with fans expressing their reactions to the unexpected outcome. Some users voiced their frustration, insisting that Moore was unfairly overlooked. Others have chosen to focus on the bigger picture, celebrating Moore’s remarkable resurgence in Hollywood.
Despite the loss, Moore’s career continues to thrive. After earning widespread critical acclaim for The Substance, she is set to take on a new and exciting project. Her next role will be in I Love Boosters, a science fiction comedy directed by Boots Riley. The film boasts an impressive cast, ensuring that Moore remains in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, Madison’s Anora is set to become even more accessible to audiences. The film will be available for streaming on Hulu starting March 17 in the United States, allowing viewers to witness the performance that secured Madison her first Academy Award.
The debate surrounding Moore’s Oscar loss is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Many believe she delivered a career-defining performance in The Substance, and some argue that the Academy continues to overlook the horror genre and veteran actresses. Whether or not the result was justified, it’s clear that Moore’s work has left a lasting impression, further cementing her legacy in Hollywood.
