The 2025 Oscars brought a mix of emotions as the film industry celebrated its brightest stars and most compelling stories. One of the most talked-about moments of the night was Demi Moore’s reaction to losing the Best Actress award to Anora star Mikey Madison. According to a lip reader, Moore, who was nominated for her role in The Substance, uttered a single word—“nice”—when Madison’s name was announced. However, her body language told a different story. Nicola Hickling, a lip reader who analyzed the moment for the Daily Mail, noted that Moore’s forced nod and lack of a smile suggested she was trying to mask her disappointment. At 62, Moore has established herself as a Hollywood icon, and the intensity of her reaction highlights just how much the award meant to her.
The competition in the Best Actress category was fierce, with Moore, Madison, Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), and Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) all vying for the coveted honor. Moore’s performance in The Substance had already earned her a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Award, and a Satellite Award earlier in the year, making her a strong contender. However, it was Madison who ultimately took home the Oscar, leaving Moore visibly tense and upset. A video shared on X showed Moore’s face fall as Madison’s name was called, her jaw clenching in a moment of raw, unfiltered emotion. It was a humanizing moment that reminded viewers of the high stakes and personal investment that come with such prestigious awards.
Madison, who is just 25 years old, seemed equally stunned by her win. As she made her way to the stage in a daze, clutching her Oscar, she began her acceptance speech by expressing how surreal the moment felt. "This is very surreal," she said. "I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always felt so far away from me, so to be here, standing in this room today, is really incredible." Her words resonated with many, particularly those who see themselves in her underdog story. Madison’s authenticity and gratitude shone brightly as she addressed the audience,arie structure making her speech one of the most heartfelt of the night.
Madison also used her platform to honor the sex worker community, a group she had worked closely with while preparing for her role in Anora. "I just want to recognize and honor the sex worker community," she said. "Yes, I will continue to support and be an ally. All of the incredible people, the women that I’ve had the privilege of meeting from that community, has been one of the highlights of this incredible experience." Her words were a powerful reminder of the impact art can have when it amplifies marginalized voices. Madison also took a moment to acknowledge her fellow nominees, praising their work and expressing her gratitude for being recognized alongside them. "I’m honored to be recognized alongside all of you," she said. "This is a dream come true. I’m probably going to wake up tomorrow."
The success of Anora was not limited to Madison’s Best Actress win. The film swept the 97th Academy Awards, taking home the award for Best Picture and earning Sean Baker wins for Best Original Screenplay, Achievement in Film Editing, and Best Director. The movie’s success was a testament to its bold storytelling and the way it resonated with audiences and critics alike. Anora follows the story of a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, a narrative that explores themes of power, identity, and societal expectations. The film’s victory marked a significant moment for independent cinema, as it beat out major contenders like The Brutalist, Wicked, Dune: Part Two, and The Substance. While Moore’s The Substance did not take home Best Picture, it still earned recognition in the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category, a small consolation for what was undoubtedly a disappointing night for its star.
The 2025 Oscars were a celebration of storytelling at its finest, with each nominated film and performance offering a unique perspective on the human experience. While the night belonged to Anora, the evening also highlighted the incredible talent of its competitors, including Demi Moore, whose work in The Substance continues to be celebrated. Despite her visible disappointment, Moore’s dedication to her craft remains unchanged, and her body of work serves as a reminder of her enduring legacy in Hollywood. For Mikey Madison, the night was a defining moment in her career, solidifying her place as one of the industry’s most promising young stars. As the dust settles on the 97th Academy Awards, the true winners are the audiences who were moved, inspired, and challenged by the films and performances that made this year’s ceremony so unforgettable.
