At the 2025 Academy Awards, Demi Moore was one of the contenders for the prestigious Best Actress Oscar for her role in The Substance. While she gave an acclaimed performance, the Oscar ultimately went to Mikey Madison for her portrayal in Anora. Despite this, Moore’s reaction to the loss surprised many – she didn’t feel devastated.
In a candid interview with Time magazine, Moore explained that she wasn’t caught off guard by the outcome. Moments before the Best Actress category was announced, she turned to her manager and said, “I think it’s going to Mikey.” She described the feeling as a premonition and acknowledged that she didn’t have any particular reason for knowing, but trusted the moment.
When the announcement was made, Moore took the loss with grace. “I didn’t feel gutted,” she shared. “I was calm, centered. It’s a human instinct to feel some form of disappointment, but I was at peace with it.” This statement highlights Moore’s growth as a professional and her mature approach to handling setbacks in her career.
Following the Oscars ceremony, Moore took to social media to share her congratulations with Madison, calling her an inspiring talent. She expressed her excitement to see what Madison would do next in her career. Madison, in turn, praised Moore as one of the “sweetest, kindest women” she had met and spoke highly of her work.
Moore’s graceful reaction to losing the Oscar reflects her personal and professional growth. Having been in the industry for decades, she’s learned to embrace her journey with resilience. Despite not taking home the trophy, her response to the loss has been a lesson in acceptance, humility, and trusting that things unfold as they should.
For Moore, this moment is not about one award but rather about the ongoing evolution of her career. She continues to look ahead, focusing on new projects and opportunities. In a world that often values success by trophies and accolades, Moore’s perspective serves as a reminder that true fulfillment comes from within, and that success isn’t just about the destination, but the journey itself.