The ballots are in, and the results of the 2025 GVN Critics Choice Awards season have been tallied. Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two emerged as the night’s biggest winner, dominating technical and genre categories, but it was Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance which proved to be a fierce contender across multiple fields.
Among the top honors, The Substance was honored as the runner-up for Best Picture, showcasing its strong narrative and emotional depth. The film’s director, Coralie Fargeat, was also recognized, finishing as the runner-up for Best Director against Villeneuve. Demi Moore, who played the troubled Elizabeth Sparkle, came close, being the runner-up for Best Actress, highlighting her powerful performance.
Indeed, The Substance swept several categories, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Hair & Make-Up, showing its multifaceted appeal. Notably, the film’s gripping story revolves around the aging process and the extreme lengths to which individuals, particularly women, go to reclaim their youth.
The movie tells the story of Elisabeth Sparkle, portrayed by Moore, who resorts to taking "The Substance," leading to dire consequences and body horror. This plot point has sparked discussions on societal pressures related to beauty and the stigma surrounding aging, particularly for women.
Fargeat’s narrative isn’t just horror; it's visceral and sharply critiques the entertainment industry’s treatment of aging actresses. The film has been nominated for five categories at the 2025 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress, reinforcing its status as not just entertainment but also as social commentary.
Critics have highlighted how the film's engaging representation of these themes resonates beyond the screen. The representation of characters like Elisabeth and Sue—played by Margaret Qualley—illuminates the cruel expectations placed upon women, threading a narrative rich with body horror and emotional struggle. Moore herself noted the film pushed her limits both physically and mentally, stating, "And I then lost, like, 20 pounds,” referring to the challenges of her role.
The Substance has also drawn comparisons to feminist literature with its bold expressions of female identity. The film showcases the surreal consequences of beauty standards and the relentless chase of youth, depicting how fame and societal pressures can be both consuming and destructive.
Margaret Qualley’s preparation for the role of Sue involved rigorous dance training and practices to embody her character's physicality. Reflecting on her experience, Qualley noted, “It was really outside my comfort zone. I’m not a natural.”
This multifaceted challenge, alongside Moore's raw portrayal, contributed to the film's acclaim, making The Substance not just another horror entry but rather a critique wrapped within thrilling cinematics.
Fans and critics alike lauded the film’s ambition to tackle the sensitive topic of aging and femininity within the highly competitive film industry. Some, like Emily Gould from The Cut, argue the film forces its viewers to reassess beauty standards and how individuals perceive their worth.
The craftsmanship behind The Substance was also acknowledged at the GVN Critics Choice Awards, as it won Best Original Screenplay over competitors like Anora. The film's ability to intertwine horror with its overarching feminist message leaves audiences contemplating their own perceptions of beauty and self-worth.
The Substance showcased fierce competition, especially with films like Dune: Part Two sweeping technical categories. Its wins indicate both the industry’s recognition of the issues it presents and the film’s compelling delivery of these narratives.
Shot across various stunning locales, including TSF's Epinay Studio, Paris, and the picturesque streets of Antibes, the film’s visual aesthetic captivates viewers, enhancing its commentary. The breathtaking visuals juxtaposed with the film’s dark themes create a unique viewing experience.
While Dune: Part Two clearly dominated the night with awards for Best Picture, Cinematography, and Best Director, The Substance secured its place as one of the year's standout films through its originality and thematic depth.
Going forward, both films will likely be features at future festivals and awards, continuing to shape discussions on modern cinema's reflection of societal views on beauty and the inevitable passage of time.
The 2025 awards season has kicked off with fervor, and as each category unfolded, the performances and perspectives presented captured the broader narrative of the film industry’s evolution.
What do you think of this year’s winners? Let us know your perspective on The Substance and its impact on the conversation surrounding female representation and ageism within Hollywood! Share your thoughts below!