Demi Moore humbled by first Oscar nomination after believing she'd never succeed as 'serious' actress

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Demi Moore, who made her acting debut in 1981, has achieved a career milestone at 62, her first Oscar nomination in her four-decade-long career.

The actress has been nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her haunting portrayal of Elizabeth Sparkle in 'The Substance', a psychological body horror film released in September 2024.

Demi Moore says a producer described her as a 'popcorn actress'

Despite being a household name since the 1980s, Moore’s career has been defined more by box office success than critical acclaim.

Her nomination for an Academy Award is a triumphant moment, coming just days after she won her first Golden Globes for the same performance.

Moore moved audiences to tears during her Golden Globes acceptance speech on January 5, where she addressed the long-held belief that she would never be recognized as a “serious” actress.

“I’ve been doing this a long time—over 45 years—and this is the first time I’ve ever won anything as an actor,” she shared.

“Thirty years ago, a producer told me I was a ‘popcorn actress.’ I made that mean awards weren’t for me. I could make movies that were successful, but I couldn’t be acknowledged,” she added.

The role of Elizabeth Sparkle proved to be a turning point.

“A few years ago, I thought maybe I was done. Then, The Substance came across my desk—a magical, bold, courageous, out-of-the-box script. The universe told me I wasn’t finished,” Moore recalled.

She concluded with an empowering message saying, “In those moments when we feel like we’re not enough, just know your value by putting down the measuring stick,” according to Mirror.

Demi Moore expresses gratitude for Oscar nomination

In a statement issued following her first-ever Oscar nomination, Demi Moore said, "Being nominated for an Oscar is an incredible honor and these last few months have been beyond my wildest dreams."

“Truly there are no words to fully express my joy and overwhelming gratitude for this recognition. Not only for me but for what this film represents. I am deeply humbled,” the 62-year-old actress continued.

Referencing the widespread Los Angeles wildfire, Moore shared, "This is a time of incredible contrasts and right now, my heart is with my friends, family, neighbors and community here in LA”

"The fires have devastated so many lives but to see the way our community has united leaves me in awe of the resilience and compassion that defines us, and this moment is a reminder of how incredible we are when we stand together," she added, according to People.

The challenges of 'The Substance'

In 'The Substance', Demi Moore stars alongside Margaret Qualley, 30, who portrays a younger version of Elizabeth Sparkle through the narrative device of a black-market drug.

The intense and gory production left its mark on both actresses.

Moore described the physical toll during an interview with the Los Angeles Times.

“To give you an idea of the intensity, during my first week off—when Margaret was filming—I got shingles. I lost 20 pounds during production,” she shared.

Qualley revealed her own struggles, including painful cuts and acne caused by the monster-like bodysuit she wore in several scenes.

“It was physically and emotionally draining, but the result was worth it,” she reflected.

Moore’s fellow nominees in the Best Actress category include Karla Sofia Gascon, Cynthia Erivo, Mikey Madison, and Fernanda Torres.