Demi Moore, 62, has shared her feelings of disappointment after losing the Best Actress Oscar to breakout star Mikey Madison at this year’s Academy Awards. Moore, who was nominated for her first-ever Oscar, had been a front-runner, especially after winning key awards leading up to the ceremony.
In The Substance, Moore played a fading film star who takes a mysterious drug to stay youthful. Fans were hopeful that Moore would win, especially after her victories at the Critics’ Choice Awards, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the Golden Globes.
After the loss, many fans pointed out the similarities between Moore’s real-life disappointment and the plot of The Substance, where her character struggles with the effects of aging and a quest for eternal youth.
A Gracious Response
At the Time100 Summit, Moore was asked if she believed she would be nominated for an Oscar again in the future. With grace, she said, “That would be nice. I can’t say I’d be mad at it.” But she quickly added that she doesn’t dwell on the thought of “Should I have won?” “Because I didn’t, I really do subscribe to this idea that everything in life is happening for me, not to me,” Moore explained.
Despite the disappointment, Moore chose to see the bigger picture. “I did feel a lot of collective disappointment that felt like it was even bigger than me,” she said, emphasizing the collective nature of the emotion she felt.
A Positive Outlook
Moore also recognized that setbacks, including her Oscar loss, are opportunities for growth. “That doesn’t mean there isn’t disappointment or pain,” she said. “But when I look at it through that lens, it allows me to step back and ask, ‘What is this trying to give me?’”
When asked about losing to Mikey Madison, Moore expressed support for the younger star. “Of course there’s disappointment. But I also immediately recognize that there is something greater that I am to be in service to, even if I don’t know what that is.”
The Bigger Picture
Moore reflected on how her loss was part of her journey with The Substance. “The message is that there’s more work to be done,” she said. “This issue is not complete.” She expressed her apology to fans who had hoped she would win, acknowledging the collective disappointment many felt.
Despite her loss, Moore found joy in the experience of being around other nominees. “I had the pleasure of getting to know Mikey Madison and think she did an incredible performance,” Moore said. “It’s an odd thing for there to be a competition anyway.”
A Calm Prediction
In a recent interview with Time magazine, Moore revealed that she had actually predicted Madison’s win. “I leaned over and whispered to my manager, ‘I think it’s going to Mikey.’ I don’t know why I knew, but I did,” she shared.
Throughout the evening, Moore remained calm and collected. “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,” she added.
A Year of Surprises
This year’s Oscars featured fierce competition and several surprise wins. But Moore’s candid and thoughtful response to her loss demonstrated her strength and resilience. Despite not winning, she continues to support fellow nominees and remains optimistic about what lies ahead.
Moore’s journey in Hollywood is far from over. Her reflections on the experience show a deep maturity and a clear understanding of life’s challenges.
While she did not take home the Oscar, Moore’s story in Hollywood continues to inspire. Her perseverance, dedication, and grace are qualities that define her remarkable career.
