Demi Moore’s Oscars 2025 experience wasn’t filled with tears or disappointment – instead, the legendary actress embraced her loss to Mikey Madison with surprising calm and gratitude.
At 62, Moore was a frontrunner for Best Actress for her performance in the bold, body-focused satire The Substance. But when the envelope opened and 25-year-old Mikey Madison was announced as the winner for her role in Anora, Moore wasn’t shocked.
In fact, she was expecting it.
Speaking to Time magazine, Demi said, “I leaned over and whispered to my manager, ‘I think it’s going to Mikey.’ I don’t know why I knew, but I did. I was so centered and calm. I just trusted, and am in trust of, whatever is going to unfold.” It’s the kind of inner peace that’s rare at high-stakes events like the Academy Awards, but Moore’s outlook stood out as refreshingly real.
The 96th Oscars in Los Angeles turned into a big night for Anora, directed by Sean Baker. The film bagged wins for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, and capped the night with Best Picture. Mikey’s role as a bold, manipulative stripper in the film had already been gaining awards momentum, especially after her BAFTA win.
Still, Moore was no underdog. She’d already collected trophies at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Critics’ Choice for The Substance, a daring dive into themes of beauty, ageing, and body obsession. Heading into Oscars night, many expected Moore and Madison to go head-to-head for the win.
But Moore’s reaction after the loss proved she didn’t need a statue to validate her moment. The day after the awards, she posted to Instagram: “As this awards season comes to a close, I’m so overwhelmed with gratitude for this journey… and a huge congratulations to Mikey Madison – can’t wait to see what you do next.”
It’s clear Moore is just getting started with this new chapter in her career. Her performance in The Substance has already become a critical darling, and many believe it marks a bold turning point for how Hollywood views actresses over 60.
Whether you’re Team Demi or Team Mikey, this year’s Best Actress race was stacked with talent, emotion, and big shifts in storytelling. And if Moore’s serene attitude is anything to go by, she knows that awards are just one part of the ride.
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