Demi Moore’s Oscar Dreams Dashed, But Her Career Resurgence is Just Beginning

And the Oscar went to… not Demi Moore! Going into the March 2 Academy Awards, the Substance star seemed like a sure thing for best actress with the kind of comeback story voters love. But it was Anord’s Mikey Madison who took home the prize, much to the 25-year-old’s shock. Demi, 62, was ever gracious after the loss, posting that she was “overwhelmed with gratitude” and sending her congratulations to the winner. The younger actress later revealed she had done more than that. “I texted with Demi, who I adore,” Mikey told The Hollywood Reporter, adding, “I can’t wait to see what she does next, what kind of characters she brings us. I think we’re all so ready and excited to see that.”

The future looks bright for Demi, who recalled being dismissed as a “popcorn actress” by an exec in her powerful Golden Globes acceptance speech. “The Substance has opened all these doors, and she’s on the Hollywood A-list again,” an insider tells Star. “Not that she fell off it, but her career was dormant.” (Her work in 2024’s TV anthology Feud: Capote vs. the Swans also helped boost her profile.) She’s currently in Taylor Sheridan’s Texas TV saga Landman and has at least one project already lined up. Says the insider, “At this point in her life, she has much to be thankful for. It’s enough that her peers respect her and want to see her career resurgence continue – she’s looking forward to doing other projects and stretching her capabilities.”