Demi Moore has broken her silence after her shock Oscars loss, graciously congratulating winner Mikey Madison in a heartfelt Instagram post.
The 62-year-old actress, who was nominated for her role in The Substance, lost to 25-year-old Madison at Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony.
Despite the disappointment, Moore remained positive, describing the awards season as “the ride of a lifetime”, with her response being praised by fans for showing “grace, dignity, and class” following what insiders described as a “huge disappointment” for the veteran actress.
Moore’s loss came after winning several major film awards during this season’s campaign, with the nomination marking Moore’s first Oscar nod in her 44-year career, coming after she made her film debut at age 18.
Her role as Elisabeth Sparkle in The Substance had already earned her a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Award, and a Screen Actors Guild trophy this season.
In the film, Moore plays a once-celebrated actress who is fired from her aerobics show after turning 50, with her character then taking a black-market drug that creates a “younger, more beautiful, more perfect” version of herself, played by Margaret Qualley.
Demi Moore was nominated for her role in The Substance
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It was reported that Moore “can’t help but feel heartbroken” about how her night ended, a source told Page Six on Monday.
“Demi is taking this loss very hard because she felt like this was finally her chance to take home an Academy Award,” the source added.
Taking to Instagram, Moore shared a video of her Oscars preparations alongside a heartfelt message about her experience, which read: “As this awards season comes to a close, I’m so overwhelmed with gratitude for this journey.
“It’s been the ride of a lifetime, and we’re just getting started!” before thanking her team, fellow nominees, and everyone who made the experience “full of joy and light”.
MIkey won the Oscar for her role in Anora
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She also acknowledged the cast and crew of The Substance before directly congratulating Madison: “And a huge congratulations to #MikeyMadison — can’t wait to see what you do next.”
Many fans and commentators quickly noted the ironic parallel between Moore’s Oscar loss and the plot of The Substance, as one X user pointed out: “Demi Moore losing to Mikey Madison is basically the plot of the Substance,” wrote one viewer.
Another commented: “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.”
Moore’s three daughters – Rumer, Scout and Tallulah – rallied around their mother following the loss, with Scout sharing: “So beyond proud, this woman is nothing but integrity, bright beaming light and love! What Grace.”
Tallulah posted a photo of Moore in a robe enjoying French fries, captioning it: “MY winner,” before Rumer added: “My hero. My forever winner. You have dedicated your life to your craft, pouring every ounce of yourself into the stories you tell.”
All three daughters accompanied Moore to the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party following the ceremony.
Despite the disappointment, Moore ended her evening celebrating with family, changing into a bathrobe to enjoy French fries before attending the Vanity Fair party.
A lip reader claimed Moore said “nice” without smiling when Madison’s name was announced, but her subsequent social media post suggests genuine goodwill.
The actress had previously revealed at the Golden Globes that a producer once called her a “popcorn actress” who couldn’t be acknowledged with awards.
Her gracious response to the Oscars loss has only reinforced her reputation for elegance throughout her career.