Hollywood veteran Demi Moore recently reflected on one of the biggest nights of her career — the 2025 Academy Awards — during an in-depth interview with Time magazine. The actress, whose powerful performance in the psychological horror film The Substance earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, ultimately saw the coveted prize go to rising star Mikey Madison for her role in Anora. While the result came as a disappointment to many of Moore’s fans, the actress herself embraced the moment with grace and humility.
For Moore, the nomination alone was a meaningful milestone, marking a return to the awards spotlight after years of balancing personal growth and evolving creative projects. When asked about losing the Oscar to Madison, Moore admitted she had long sensed the young actress would walk away with the honor. Rather than expressing regret, she radiated nothing but gratitude for the journey that led her to the Oscars stage.
Reflecting on the experience in a heartfelt message shared as awards season wrapped up, Moore wrote, “As this chapter closes, I feel deeply overwhelmed with gratitude for everything this journey has given me. It has truly been the ride of a lifetime — and the most exciting part is, it feels like we’re only just getting started. I’m incredibly thankful for the support of my dedicated team, my fellow nominees, and every single person who brought so much light and joy to this experience. And, of course, a huge congratulations to Mikey Madison — I’m excited to watch your path unfold from here.”
Demi’s performance in The Substance was widely regarded as one of the most transformative roles of her career. The film tells the haunting story of an aging actress who turns to an experimental medical procedure, involving mysterious injections, to regain her youthful appearance. The role allowed Moore to explore profound themes surrounding aging, identity, and the unrealistic standards often placed on women in the entertainment industry — and society at large.
During her Time interview, Moore spoke openly about the personal connection she felt to the character and the significance of playing a woman confronting both societal and self-imposed ideas about aging. “This role offered a powerful opportunity to challenge the traditional way women in their 60s are viewed. So much of the narrative around aging has been written by cultural expectations, but what struck me the most was how many of those limitations are ones we place on ourselves,” she said. “There’s something liberating about stepping into a character that faces those ideas head-on — and hopefully, it sparks conversations that reach far beyond the screen.”
Though she did not take home the golden statue, Moore’s performance in The Substance earned widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the film for its darkly relevant take on the pressure to stay youthful in an image-obsessed world. Fans and critics alike applauded her for bringing both emotional vulnerability and raw strength to the role, proving once again that her talent continues to evolve with each project.
Meanwhile, Mikey Madison’s win for Anora was seen as a breakthrough moment for the young actress, whose portrayal of the complex title character earned her widespread acclaim throughout awards season. Moore’s gracious response to Madison’s victory only deepened the admiration many hold for her — as a performer and as a person.
As she looks ahead, Moore remains optimistic about the future, both professionally and personally, with her passion for challenging roles stronger than ever. “The real reward,” she noted, “has always been the work itself.”
