Demi Moore is all set to make history at the 2025 Academy Awards as she achieves her first-ever Oscar nomination for her performance as Elizabeth Sparkle in the critically acclaimed body horror film, "The Substance." This nomination marks a significant milestone after 40 years since she began her career, finally recognizing her contributions to the film industry.
The Oscars will take place on March 2, 2025, and the night promises to be extra special for Moore, who has previously enjoyed significant recognition with wins at this year's Golden Globe, Critics' Choice Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. "This is extraordinary and so deeply meaningful," Moore stated during her emotional acceptance speech at the SAG Awards. "I could not do this without the support of my incredible team." These words resonate deeply as they encapsulate not only her gratitude but also the perseverance and dedication she has shown throughout her career.
Despite her long-standing presence on the silver screen, this is the first time Moore has been nominated for the prestigious Academy Award. Known for iconic films like "Ghost," "A Few Good Men," and "Indecent Proposal," her career suffered criticisms and skepticism from industry insiders. Director Roland Joffé, who worked with her on the 1995 adaptation of "The Scarlet Letter," revealed, "People believed Demi had not earned the right" to take on significant roles. Much of this skepticism stems from her early high-profile film choices and public persona, which some deemed unsuitable for serious dramatic roles.
Moore’s performance in "The Substance" has been applauded since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last year, where she portrays Elizabeth Sparkle, once a popular actor and television fitness icon. Desperate to regain her lost stardom, Elizabeth injects herself with an experimental serum, leading to thrilling and disturbing transformations. During her Critics' Choice Awards acceptance speech, Moore expressed her appreciation for the recognition of her genre film, stating, "I am so grateful for highlighting this film, this genre. Normally, horror films are overlooked for the depth they can contain."
At the SAG Awards, she was nominated alongside well-known competitors, including Pamela Anderson for "The Last Showgirl" and Cynthia Erivo for "Wicked." While Moore has dominated the awards season, Mikey Madison, who won the BAFTA for her performance, still presents significant competition. Historical trends show winners of the SAG Awards sometimes do not claim the Oscar, as past awards have highlighted significant splits—demonstrated by stars like Lily Gladstone and Viola Davis.
Reflecting on her remarkable awards season run, Moore emphasized her growth as both an actress and individual through her long career. "I realized I hadn’t thought back to when I got my membership to this incredible organization [SAG]. It was 1978. I was 15, almost 16. It changed my life because it gave me meaning," she shared. Her wins this year are not just accolades; they demonstrate her relentless commitment to her craft, even when the industry did not always embrace her.
Looking back on her career, it is clear how diverse her roles have been over the decades, showcasing her range from comedies like "About Last Night" and "Ghost" to dramatic roles in "G.I. Jane" and "Margin Call." Despite past criticisms, her determination has led her to today, as she has continually reinvented her career path through various genres and themes.
Moore’s personal life, including her marriages and motherhood, has intertwined with her Hollywood narrative, providing her with depth and perspective on the challenges she faced. Although she has had significant achievements, her struggles, particularly with substance abuse and public perception, have added layers to her resilience story. Moore, now 62, balances her career with motherhood, remaining closely involved with her three daughters as they navigate their own paths within the entertainment industry.
On the brink of receiving the Academy Award nomination she so richly deserves, Moore stands poised to accept the accolades at the Oscars. The award ceremony is set to highlight her extraordinary career transformation, and her story resonates as not just about achieving stardom, but about the power of persistence, evolution, and the importance of recognition within the film industry.
Moore's long-awaited acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the shifts within Hollywood dynamics, emphasizing the need to celebrate performances across all genres and experiences. Her achievement speaks not only to her abilities but also to the evolution of perceptions surrounding women artists and their rightful place within the cinematic world.
This Sunday, as the world tunes in to the 2025 Oscars, there’s little doubt Demi Moore's moment is well overdue, and her performance is poised to captivate audiences and industry alike.