Demi Moore, 62, was reportedly devastated after failing to secure the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 97th Academy Awards, according to body language expert Darren Stanton. The prestigious ceremony, held on Sunday night in Los Angeles, saw 25-year-old Mikey Madison take home one of the evening’s most coveted honors, winning the Oscar for Best Actress.

Madison, who led Sean Baker’s critically acclaimed film Anora, triumphed over a strong lineup of contenders, including Demi Moore, who had been widely considered a top contender following an incredibly successful awards season. Her win marked a major career milestone, as it was her first Oscar nomination and victory. Prior to the Academy Awards, she had already gained significant recognition, including a Best Actress win at the 2025 BAFTAs. Madison’s victory came in a competitive field featuring Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres, and Karla Sofía Gascón.

Despite the stiff competition, many expected Moore to walk away with the Oscar, considering her dominance throughout awards season. For her portrayal of Elisabeth Sparkle in The Substance, Moore had already won a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. With such momentum behind her, industry insiders and fans alike believed the Oscar was hers to lose.

However, when Madison’s name was called, Moore’s reaction suggested a mix of shock and deep disappointment. According to Stanton, her body language made it evident that she was struggling to process the moment. “Demi was absolutely gutted to not win this Oscar,” Stanton explained in an analysis for Betfair Casino. “Her facial expressions suggested she was trying to mask her feelings when Mikey was announced as the winner of Best Actress.”

Stanton elaborated on Moore’s immediate response, describing her visible disbelief. “We saw her mouth drop open, her eyes wide in surprise—she was clearly shocked and struggling to process what was happening,” he noted. “Her smiles looked forced and didn’t appear genuine, reflecting the emotional disappointment she felt.”

Moore’s loss has sparked passionate discussions across social media, with fans expressing their reactions to the unexpected outcome. Some users voiced their frustration, insisting that Moore was unfairly overlooked. One fan humorously pointed out, “Demi Moore losing to Mikey Madison is basically the plot of The Substance.” Another echoed a similar sentiment, writing, “Demi Moore was absolutely snubbed and you’ll NEVER change my mind. The Oscars just proved square and fair they don’t take older women seriously and they don’t take horror seriously.”

While some are disappointed, others have chosen to focus on the bigger picture, celebrating Moore’s remarkable resurgence in Hollywood. “On the bright side, Demi Moore had a stellar awards season and has earned the admiration of a new, younger audience,” one fan wrote.

Despite the loss, Moore’s career continues to thrive. After earning widespread critical acclaim for The Substance, which is currently available for streaming with a MUBI subscription, she is set to take on a new and exciting project. Her next role will be in I Love Boosters, a science fiction comedy directed by Boots Riley. The film boasts an impressive cast that includes Keke Palmer, LaKeith Stanfield, and Will Poulter, ensuring that Moore remains in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, Madison’s Anora, which has already received numerous accolades, is set to become even more accessible to audiences. The film will be available for streaming on Hulu starting March 17 in the United States, allowing viewers to witness the performance that secured Madison her first Academy Award.

The debate surrounding Moore’s Oscar loss is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Many believe she delivered a career-defining performance in The Substance, and some argue that the Academy continues to overlook the horror genre and veteran actresses. Whether or not the result was justified, it’s clear that Moore’s work has left a lasting impression, further cementing her legacy in Hollywood.

What do you think? Did Demi Moore deserve the Oscar for her performance in The Substance? Share your thoughts on this dramatic Oscars upset.