Demi Moore, star of “The Substance,” faced a surprising defeat at the 2025 Oscars, losing the best actress award to Mikey Madison of “Anora” on March 2. A lip reader revealed Moore’s one-word response—“nice”—spoken without a smile, hinting at her disappointment. The moment, caught on camera, showed the 62-year-old actress tensing her jaw before clapping for the winner, sparking buzz across social media.
Moore, a favorite after winning a Golden Globe and other accolades, competed against Madison, Fernanda Torres, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Cynthia Erivo. Meanwhile, Madison, 25, delivered a heartfelt speech, honoring the sex worker community and her fellow nominees. Her film, “Anora,” dominated the night, clinching best picture, best director, and more, while “The Substance” took home best makeup and hairstyling.
Lip Reader Decodes Moore’s Mood
Nicola Hickling, a lip-reading expert, told the Daily Mail that Moore’s “nice” came with a forced nod, betraying her true feelings. Videos on X captured her initial shock, yet she quickly composed herself.
Fans noted the irony, linking her loss to the age-driven plot of “The Substance,” where Moore plays a fading star desperate to reclaim youth. Despite the snub, her poised reaction earned praise.
Madison’s Triumph Shakes Up Oscars
Madison, visibly dazed, called her win “surreal” in a speech that thanked director Sean Baker and lauded the “beautiful, breathtaking work” of her peers, including Moore. “Anora,” a tale of a sex worker’s impulsive marriage to a Russian oligarch’s son, swept the 97th Academy Awards.
Meanwhile, Moore’s fans flooded X, insisting she was “robbed” after a stellar awards season. Transitioning from frontrunner to runner-up, Moore still holds a Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice, and Satellite Award for her role.
The night underscored Hollywood’s unpredictability. For Moore, the loss stings, but her legacy endures. For Madison, it’s a breakout moment. As the dust settles, debates linger over who truly deserved the gold.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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