At the 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, the Best Actress category presented one of the night’s most unexpected outcomes.
Mikey Madison, a 25-year-old actress, secured the Oscar for her role in the independent film Anora, surpassing veteran actress Demi Moore, who had been widely anticipated to win for her performance in The Substance.
A professional lip reader weighed in on what Demi Moore said immediately after losing the Best Actress Oscar.
When Madison’s name was read out, cameras captured Moore’s subtle response, leading to widespread speculation about what she actually said.
Lip reader Nicola Hickling has now provided some insight, revealing to Daily Mail that Moore’s reaction was a simple, one-word remark.
“Demi says ‘nice’ but she isn’t smiling when she says it,” Hickling explained. “Her body is almost nodding like she had to force herself to say it.”
Despite the surprising result, Moore, 62, exhibited grace and sportsmanship. The day following the ceremony, she took to Instagram to reflect on her journey throughout the awards season and to congratulate Madison.
Moore wrote: “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! So grateful for my team, my fellow nominees, and everyone who has made this experience so full of joy and light.
“Thank you to the cast, crew, and fans of @trythesubstance—@isimostar and @coralie_fargeat it’s been such an honor to work alongside you, learn from you, and celebrate this film with you. And a huge congratulations to #MikeyMadison—can’t wait to see what you do next.”
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This message not only highlighted Moore’s appreciation for her collaborators but also her genuine support for Madison’s future endeavors.
Madison, who was still absorbing the magnitude of her win, expressed her admiration for Moore in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. She shared that she had reached out to Moore after the ceremony, stating:
“I texted with Demi, who I adore. She’s one of the sweetest, kindest women I’ve ever met, and I’m so grateful that I was able to meet her and witness her brilliance and talent in person. I adore her and 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.”
Madison’s remarks underscore the mutual respect and admiration between the two actresses, reflecting a supportive dynamic within the industry.
Both actresses had notable trajectories leading up to the Oscars. Moore’s performance in “The Substance” earned her several accolades, including a Golden Globe, Critics Choice Award, and a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award, positioning her as a frontrunner for the Academy Award. Madison, on the other hand, garnered critical acclaim for her role in Anora, securing a BAFTA award prior to her Oscar win.
The unexpected outcome in the Best Actress category elicited a range of reactions from both industry insiders and the public.
Social media platforms buzzed with discussions about the surprise win, with many praising Madison’s performance and others expressing surprise over Moore’s loss.
Notably, musician Jack Antonoff’s reaction during the announcement went viral. Seated with his wife, actress Margaret Qualley, Antonoff’s exaggerated expression of surprise was captured on camera, leading to widespread sharing and commentary online.
Madison’s triumph with “Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, not only earned her the Best Actress Oscar but also contributed to the film’s overall success. The movie clinched five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, solidifying its status as a standout in the awards circuit.
As for Moore, her gracious acknowledgment of Madison’s achievement and her reflective social media post indicate a forward-looking perspective. She expressed excitement about future projects and collaborations, suggesting that her journey in the film industry continues with enthusiasm and optimism.
The 2025 Oscars highlighted the unpredictable nature of the film industry and the awards that celebrate its achievements. The mutual respect and admiration between Demi Moore and Mikey Madison serve as a testament to the supportive relationships that can thrive amidst competition.
As both actresses look toward future projects, audiences can anticipate more compelling performances and narratives that continue to enrich the cinematic landscape.
