Demi Moore’s Oscars Loss to Mikey Madison Sparks Mixed Reactions

The 2025 Academy Awards saw an unexpected turn in the Best Actress category as Mikey Madison took home the coveted award for her performance in Anora. Many had anticipated veteran actress Demi Moore to win for her critically acclaimed role in The Substance, making the outcome one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.

Madison’s Historic Win

At just 25 years old, Madison became one of the youngest recipients of the Best Actress award. Her portrayal of a sex worker in Anora received widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Madison paid tribute to the sex worker community, acknowledging their struggles and vowing to use her platform to advocate for them further.

Moore’s Reaction Captured on Camera

As the winner was announced, cameras quickly panned to Demi Moore, whose reaction became a subject of intense discussion. Initially appearing disappointed and slightly downcast, Moore soon composed herself and applauded Madison’s achievement. The Ghost star had been a frontrunner throughout the awards season, garnering praise at ceremonies like the Golden Globes.

Lip Reader Analyzes Moore’s Response

Nicola Hickling, a lip-reading expert, provided insight into Moore’s reaction, telling Daily Mail that she appeared to say “nice” in response to the announcement. However, she did not smile, and her body language suggested she was trying to maintain composure while processing the unexpected result.

Moore had been competing against a strong lineup, which included Cynthia Erivo, Fernanda Torres, Karla Sofia Gascon, and the eventual winner, Mikey Madison.

Social Media Erupts with Reactions and Memes

The Oscars upset led to an explosion of reactions on social media, with fans expressing both disappointment and admiration. While many celebrated Madison’s triumph, Moore’s supporters voiced their frustration at the outcome.

One fan wrote, “My heart broke as much as Demi Moore’s did when she didn’t hear her name. This was her year for sure.”

ESPN writer Paolo Uggetti humorously compared the situation to The Substance, the very film Moore was nominated for, tweeting, “Demi Moore losing to Mikey Madison is basically the plot of The Substance.” The post quickly went viral, amassing 126,000 likes and over 1.9 million views.

Others were even more vocal in their disappointment, with one user stating, “Demi Moore loss. I will stop supporting the Academy.” Another fan lamented, “Nahhh, like I feel so bad, they gassed Demi the whole season just for her to lose at the literal finish line.”

The Bigger Picture

Despite the loss, Moore remains a respected icon in Hollywood, and her performance in The Substance has solidified her position as one of the industry’s most enduring talents. Meanwhile, Madison’s victory marks a new chapter in her career, proving that fresh voices and perspectives continue to shape the landscape of cinema.

As the dust settles from this year’s Oscars, the debate over the Best Actress winner will likely persist, but one thing is clear—both Demi Moore and Mikey Madison have left an undeniable impact on the industry, each in their own way.