Demi Moore Reveals the Moment She Knew Mikey Madison Would Win the Oscar
The 2025 Oscars had their fair share of surprises, but one of the night’s standout moments didn’t come from a win—it came from how Demi Moore handled her loss.
Demi Moore’s Award Season Journey
Moore was a favorite to win Best Actress for her role in “The Substance”, where she played an aging actress grappling with society’s obsession with youth. With Golden Globe and SAG wins under her belt, many thought this would finally be her Oscar moment.
But the award went to Mikey Madison, the rising star who stunned critics with her raw, emotional performance as a sex worker in “Anora”, which also took home Best Picture. Moore, sensing what was coming, had a quiet moment of clarity during a commercial break.
Demi Moore Reflects on Losing Oscar to Mikey Madison
“I leaned over and whispered to my manager, ‘I think it’s going to Mikey,’” Moore said to Time. “I don’t know why I knew, but I did. I was so centered and calm. I didn’t feel gutted. I didn’t feel any of those kinds of things. I just trusted, and am in trust of, whatever is going to unfold.”
When Emma Stone announced Madison’s name, Moore smiled and applauded with grace. The next day, she took to Instagram to publicly congratulate Madison, writing, “Can’t wait to see what you do next.” The post quickly went viral, with fans and fellow actors applauding her sportsmanship and sincerity.
In a later interview with Time, Moore reflected on her journey and how early-career labels like “popcorn actress” shaped her self-image. “Nobody can throw you under the bus unless you’ve already thrown yourself under the bus,” she said, owning her growth and resilience.
While Madison’s win marks a huge leap in her career, Moore’s performance in “The Substance” has reignited interest in her as a powerhouse talent. Both women now stand at exciting turning points in their journeys—one rising fast, the other evolving with grace.
But what really struck a chord with audiences was the sense of mentorship and mutual respect. Moore didn’t just accept her loss—she uplifted the woman who won. In an industry so often defined by rivalry, that kind of generosity was a breath of fresh air.
At the end of the day, the Oscars are about more than gold statues—they’re about the people behind the performances. And Demi Moore reminded us all that the most powerful thing you can do in a moment of loss is show up with heart, perspective, and grace.
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