Body language expert reveals Demi Moore was 'gutted' after losing Best Actress award at Oscars 2025
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The 97th Academy Awards delivered plenty of surprises, but one of the most talked-about moments came from Demi Moore’s reaction to losing the Best Actress award.
The honor went to rising star Mikey Madison for her powerful performance in 'Anora', leaving Moore, a seasoned Hollywood veteran, visibly stunned, as reported by Unilad.
Mikey Madison’s reaction to her first #Oscar win
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) March 3, 2025
See the full winners list: https://t.co/cDPncK6OIM pic.twitter.com/tioEAxt0D6
Body Language expert analyzes Demi Moore's surprised reaction at Oscars
Body language expert Darren Stanton analyzed the actress’s response, noting subtle signs of disappointment as the results were announced.
“Demi was absolutely gutted to not win this Oscar,” Stanton revealed, speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino.
She continued, “We saw her masking her smiles when Mikey was announced the winner of Best Actress. After her success during this year’s awards season, I think she felt this was her time at the Oscars. We can see she was shocked and in disbelief of Mikey winning over her.”
According to Stanton, Moore’s body language painted a clear picture of someone struggling to process an unexpected outcome. “Her mouth is wide open and her eyes are engaged fully onto the stage, showing us she just couldn’t believe what was happening in front of her,” he explained.
While Moore did offer congratulatory smiles, Stanton suggested they appeared forced. “Her smiles did come across as disingenuous,” he added.
Moore’s fans had hoped to see her finally secure an Oscar for her gripping role as Elisabeth Sparkle in 'The Substance', a body-horror drama by Coralie Fargeat. Despite the setback, she’s moving forward with her next big project, 'I Love Boosters', a sci-fi adventure comedy from Boots Riley, where she’ll star alongside Keke Palmer, LaKeith Stanfield, and Will Poulter.
Madison, who had already received recognition in the same category at the 2025 BAFTAs, went head-to-head with strong contenders, including 62-year-old Moore. Moore had already secured a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Award, and a Screen Actors Guild trophy this season for her performance as Elisabeth Sparkle in Coralie Fargeat’s 'The Substance'.
The 25-year-old triumphed over notable names like 'Wicked' star Cynthia Erivo, Brazilian icon Fernanda Torres, Karla Sofia Gascon, and Demi Moore to claim the award for her lead role in Sean Baker’s 'Anora'.
Demi Moore congratulates Mikey Madison on Oscar win
View this post on Instagram
Demi Moore wrapped up Hollywood’s awards season with a heartfelt Instagram post, reflecting on her journey and sending a special shoutout to Best Actress winner Mikey Madison. Madison’s unexpected win for 'Anora' stunned audiences, marking one of the night’s biggest surprises.
"As this awards season comes to a close, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for this journey," Moore shared, posting a behind-the-scenes video of her Oscars glam routine set to Cheryl Lynn’s 'Got to Be Real'.
“It’s been the ride of a lifetime and we’re just getting started! So grateful for my team, my fellow nominees, and everyone who has made this experience so full of joy and light," she wrote, thanking her team, fellow nominees, and everyone who made the experience unforgettable.
She also praised her 'Substance' collaborators, director Coralie Fargeat and co-star Margaret Qualley, for their support and creative partnership.
She wrapped up her caption by saying, “And a huge congratulations to #MikeyMadison — can’t wait to see what you do next.”
