Despite award season ending, much can still be said about the 2025 Oscar winners, of which Anora’s Mikey Madison was one among the statuette holders. Madison beat out several worthy actresses for the coveted gold statue, including Demi Moore. In the aftermath of Madison’s win, Moore congratulated her fellow actress on the accomplishment. Now, the actress is reflecting on having the epiphany she would lose and how she feels about what happened.
The Substance, which was hailed by critics as one of the best films of 2024. It was enough to land Demi Moore a nom opposite Fernanda Torres, Cynthia Erivo, Karla Sofía Gascón and of course, Mikey Madison. Up until the winner was announced, in the general public’s mind, the award could’ve gone to anyone (but many felt The Substance had the meatiest moments).
Yet the body horror contender actually kind of felt it was not her night. She shared with Time that during the Academy Awards she told her manager she knew what was coming.
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.
Sometimes a gut feeling can prove to be quite strong, and the Ghost actress was indeed correct in this particular instance.
You may be tempted to assume that she became a bit melancholy after coming to that specific realization. However, she went on to describe is exactly the opposite:
I was so centered and calm. I didn’t feel gutted. I didn’t feel any of those kinds of things. I just trusted, and am in trust of, whatever is going to unfold.
Demi Moore Got Candid About Her Feelings Toward Mikey Madison Winning The Oscar
Of course, she's had a chance to take a step back in the weeks since the popular Movies event aired. She told THR more recently that losing was a "disappointment,' but she's holding her head high, but she's not going to waste any time with the should-have, could-have, would-have beens.
I think that would be nice. I can’t say I would be mad at it. The question is, ‘Should I have won?’ It is certainly not the perspective of how I hold it because I didn’t. And I really do subscribe to this idea that everything in life is happening for me, not to me.
Listen, while the playing field was relatively open at this years awards, there's no arguing both Mikey Madison and Demi Moore were heavily in the conversation. Madison’s acclaimed performance in Anora garnered her various accolades, including a British Academy Film Award and an Independent Spirit.
Just as Madison was heralded for playing stripper Anora Mikheeva, Moore was praised for her turn as aging actress and fitness instructor Elisabeth Sparkle in The Substance. Moore won a Golden Globe, a SAG Award, a Critics’ Choice Award and more. Ultimately, either one of these superb performers could’ve won the big prize, if you ask me, but The Substance star just didn't peak at the exact right moment.
After the Oscars, a portion of fans criticized Mike Madison’s win, with many arguing that the A Few Good Man star should’ve won. Opinions varied on that matter but, all in all, the development doesn’t seem to have fazed Moore herself. That was evidenced by the sweet post shared on Instagram shortly after the ceremony, in which she congratulated Madison. Awards season also served as a period of professional and personal empowerment for Moore, given The Substance came along at a time when she considered retiring from acting.
I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t have loved to have seen Demi Moore proudly accept the award for Best Actress on Oscars night. However, I truly appreciate the fact that she not only handled the loss with grace but also had no problem acknowledging the talents of one of her peers. It’s just another reason why Moore has stood out as an esteemed and beloved actress for decades in Hollywood.
You can stream The Substance now on Mubi, and also check out Anora using a Hulu subscription.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
