Demi Moore had a brief but telling reaction when she lost the Best Actress award at the 2025 Oscars to Mikey Madison, the star of Anora.
A professional lip reader observed that the Substance actress struggled to hide her disappointment when the winner was announced during the prestigious ceremony on Sunday.
“Demi Moore simply said ‘nice,’ but her expression didn’t match the word,” lip reader Nicola Hickling told The Daily Mail. “Her body language suggested she had to push herself to say it, and she didn’t smile while speaking.”
Demi Moore’s Visible Reaction to Mikey Madison’s Oscar Win
At 62, Demi Moore was visibly tense when Mikey Madison’s name was called instead of hers. According to a widely shared video on social media, she clenched her jaw and appeared momentarily frozen as the audience applauded.
Moore and Madison were in the running for one of the most highly anticipated awards of the night. Other nominees included Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here, Karla Sofía Gascón for Emilia Pérez, and Cynthia Erivo for Wicked.
Mikey Madison, 25, seemed overwhelmed as she made her way to the stage. Holding the golden statuette tightly, she expressed her disbelief:
“This moment feels surreal. I grew up in Los Angeles, yet Hollywood always seemed like a distant dream. Standing here today is simply incredible.”
Mikey Madison’s Speech and Acknowledgment of Demi Moore
Mikey Madison, now an Academy Award-winning actress, won for her lead role in Anora. As she accepted the award, she took a moment to acknowledge her fellow nominees, including Demi Moore.
“I want to recognize the incredible performances of my fellow nominees,” Madison said. “Each of you delivered breathtaking, intelligent, and powerful work. I’m truly honored to share this moment with all of you.”
Moore, nominated for her transformative role in The Substance, had been a strong contender. The film follows a Hollywood actress-turned-fitness guru who will do anything to regain her youth.
Moore’s Award Season Success Before the Oscars
Though she missed out on the Academy Award, Demi Moore had already enjoyed an impressive award season. Her performance in The Substance had won her a Golden Globe, a Critics’ Choice Movie Award, and a Satellite Award.
Meanwhile, Anora, which tells the story of a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, dominated the 97th Academy Awards. The film took home Best Picture, surpassing competitors like The Brutalist, Dune: Part Two, Conclave, A Complete Unknown, and The Substance.
Director Sean Baker also won awards for Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Director, making it a huge night for the Anora team.
The Aftermath of the Oscars and Moore’s Future Projects
Despite missing out on the Oscar, Moore’s career continues to thrive. She has been praised for her dedication to challenging roles and for consistently reinventing herself in Hollywood.
Fans have speculated about her next move, wondering whether she will take on another transformative role or step behind the camera as a producer or director.
While the Oscars didn’t go in her favor, Demi Moore remains a highly respected and celebrated actress. Her response to Mikey Madison’s win, though subtle, became a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike.
