The 24th Annual AARP Movies for Grownups Awards took place on Saturday in Beverly Hills, bringing together a star-studded lineup of celebrities to celebrate films and television shows that resonate with older audiences. The event, held at the luxurious Beverly Wilshire Hotel, was hosted by the charismatic Alan Cumming and will be broadcast on PBS’s Great Performances on February 23. This year’s ceremony was a testament to the power of storytelling tailored for the 50-plus demographic, advocating against industry ageism and championing projects that reflect the depth and complexity of adult life. Among the many glamorous attendees, Demi Moore stole the spotlight, not only with her stunning red-carpet look but also with her inspiring acceptance speech after winning the Best Actress award for her role in The Substance.
Demi Moore, 62, arrived at the event in a jaw-dropping black gown that hugged her frame perfectly, adorned with shimmering silver details that caught the light with every move. The dress fell elegantly past her ankles and was secured with sparkling silver straps that wrapped around her shoulders. She completed her look with open-toed black heels, minimal accessories, and a classic makeup palette that accentuated her features. Her long, dark hair was styled in a sleek, straight look, parted down the middle, adding to her timeless elegance. Moore’s confidence and grace were undeniable as she paused for photos and later took the stage to accept her award. Her speech was a heartfelt ode to perseverance, reflecting on her journey in the film industry and the unexpected success of The Substance. “When I started the journey of this film, I could never imagine being here,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “This is so far beyond anything that I could have hoped for.” She also shared a message of hope for those still chasing their dreams, emphasizing that success often arrives when least expected. “Just because it hasn’t happened, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. So just stick with it and know that dreams do come true,” she declared.
Moore’s win at the AARP Awards followed her earlier triumph at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, where she also took home the Best Actress honor for her role in The Substance. Additionally, she recently earned her first Oscar nomination, as well as nods from BAFTA and SAG, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses this awards season. Her film, released in September 2024, tells the story of a fading celebrity who turns to a black-market drug to temporarily regain her youth. The movie, which also stars Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid, and Hugo Diego Garcia, has been praised for its bold narrative and Moore’s deeply nuanced performance. Her recent achievements are a testament to her resilience and talent, as she reflected on past challenges in her career, including being labeled a “popcorn actress” by a producer early on. “I bought in, and I believed that, and that corroded me over time,” she shared, but the arrival of the unconventional script for The Substance marked a turning point. “The universe told me that you’re not done,” she said, celebrating the film as a marker of her wholeness and the love driving her work.
The event also brought together other A-listers, each making a statement with their unique red-carpet looks. Jodie Foster, who won Best Actress in the television category for her role in True Detective: Night Country, opted for a semi-sheer black dress secured with a belt at the waist. Her ensemble featured thin black sequin stripes, and she paired it with open-toed strappy heels, mini earrings, and a dainty silver necklace. Joan Chen, who took home the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Didi, stunned in a sleeveless white gown that flowed past her ankles, paired with open-toed white shoes and minimal accessories. Jane Seymour, known for her roles in Somewhere in Time and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, radiated elegance in a sleeveless white dress adorned with feathery floral details. Her look was completed with sparkling silver pumps, dangly earrings, and her long hair cascading in soft waves down her shoulders.
Other attendees included Adrien Brody, who won Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist, and June Squibb, nominated for Best Actress for her performance in Thelma. Squibb turned heads in a vibrant purple floral blouse paired with black trousers and sleek black shoes. John Stamos, a vision in a classic dark navy suit with a blue vest, was seen embracing Moore as she accepted her award. Additionally, Jeff Goldblum, Harrison Ford, and Jason Isaacs were among the many stars who brought their signature style to the event. Goldblum, dressed in a black suit with a black tie, added a touch of flair with black shades, while Ford kept it simple yet sophisticated in a black suit jacket paired with a white dress shirt. The ceremony also featured memorable moments, such as Moore’s photo opportunity with Sean Penn and her heartfelt conversation with AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, who dazzled in a strapless black gown with pleated white fabric.
Inside the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the stars mingled and celebrated their shared passion for storytelling. Jeff Goldblum was seen engaging in a thoughtful conversation with Dr. Minter-Jordan, while Alan Cumming, resplendent in a unique white suit with bow details, took to the stage to address the crowd. Zoe Saldana, wearing a high-waisted black skirt and satin black blouse, presented the Best Director award to Jacques Audiard, who also directed her in Emilia Perez. Peter Sarsgaard delivered an impassioned speech after accepting the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in September 5, and Sean Penn stepped onto the stage to present an award, adding to the evening’s excitement. These moments, along with the inspiring speeches and the overall camaraderie, highlighted the event’s importance as a celebration of artistry and the enduring appeal of grown-up storytelling.
The AARP Movies for Grownups Awards not only honored exceptional performances and films but also reinforced the importance of creating content that speaks to older audiences. By championing projects that reflect the complexity and richness of adult life, the event underscores the value of authenticity and experience in storytelling. As the evening drew to a close, the attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for the power of cinema to inspire, challenge, and unite. With Demi Moore’s triumph as a centerpiece, the ceremony was a reminder that no matter the stage of one’s career, success and fulfillment are always within reach—a message that resonates with audiences of all ages.
