The race for Best Actress at this year’s97th Academy Awardssaw both well-renowned superstars and relative newcomers vying for the coveted golden statue. The likes of Cynthia Erivo and her performance as Elphaba Thropp in the musical adaptationWicked, Karla Sofía Gascón for her lead performance in the controversial Netflix crime/musicalEmilia Pérez, Mikey Madison role as Anora “Ani” Mikheeva in the heart-rending romantic dramaAnora, Demi Moore as the fading superstar Elisabeth Sparkle inThe Substance, and Fernanda Torres as Eunice Paiva in the biographical dramaI’m Still Heremade up the list this year. And while Demi Moore had been a favorite for the award, victory instead went to theequally deserving Mikey Madison.
Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat,The Substancehas been nothing less than a cinematic phenomenon, with this comedy-horror tale not only being nominated across several categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, but also being one of therare horror movies to make an impression on the Academy. And a large part of that is thanks to Demi Moore’s captivating, hilarious, heartbreaking performance, which many critics have now deemed her “finest hour.”
The Year’s Most Provocative Film Continues Domination with Best Picture Win
So good, though.
Demi Moore’s nomination for Best Actress at the 97th Academy Awards marked her first nod in her 45-year career. Which is sure to surprise, well, everyone when you consider some of thecinematic classics she has starred inalongside a cavalcade of fellow Hollywood icons from Tom Cruise to Robert Redford. It’s wonderfully poetic that it’sThe Substancethat has seen a long-awaited resurgence in Moore’s career, with her mesmerizing, transformative performance at the center of the grotesque body-horror also winning her a Golden Globe Award, a Critics' Choice Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
‘The Substance’ Fans Have Been Quick To Point Out the Irony
Demi Moore’s loss at this year’s Academy Awards continues the irony ofThe Substance, with the veteran Hollywood star missing out on the statuein favor of Mikey Madison’s new blood. Fans of bothThe Substanceand Demi Moore have since taken to social media to react to the decision. “My heart broke as much as Demi Moore’s did when she didn’t hear her name. This was her year for sure. Horror always getting unfairly treated!” said@blurayangel, with@Hgserranoadding, “Demi Moore looking at Mikey Madison during her Best Actress speech… The Substante [sp] became a reality.”
Others simply felt that this was Moore’s time, with@ScratchyDerosesaying, “Look, OK….I Love Mickey Madison, but DEMI MOORE WAS ROBBED.” While@PaoloUggettialso saw the poetry in the loss, adding, “Demi Moore losing to Mikey Madison is basically the plot of the Substance.” “wow demi moore getting passed up for a younger brighter star someone should make a movie about this,” suggests@TheAlexSylvian.
The torn reactions continue@ThatBrashBlondesaying, “Truly happy for Mikey Madison but Demi Moore was ROBBED,” while@krungkrungkrazyalso saw the irony, adding, “The layers of irony to this year’s race as it relates to The Substance with Demi Moore losing to a younger actress. It’s kinda sad.” However, some are looking on the bright side, with@heyjaeeeconcluding, “On the bright side Demi Moore won many awards this season and she got introduced to a new younger audience of people and I’m really hoping good scripts stack up on her desk and she just keeps getting amazing opportunities!”
The Substance
