Demi Moore never thought this would happen. When the nominations were announced for the 2025 Oscars this morning, the 62-year-old found herself among the Best Actress nominees for the first time in her career, which has spanned five decades. "Being nominated for an Oscar is an incredible honor and these last few months have been beyond my wildest dreams," she said. "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, The Substance, also signifies."
Moore’s performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading celebrity searching for youth, has scored the best reviews of her career. Given its provocative take on society's impossible beauty standards, many wondered if this gory body horror film would serve as Oscar bait when the script first crossed her desk. "On paper, this could have been a disaster," she reflected, underscoring her doubts about the project before it blossomed.
Gaining fame throughout the 80s and 90s, Moore was once the highest-paid actress, clinching fickle success alongside established stars. She shot to stardom on soap opera General Hospital, and her subsequent roles—particularly the iconic blend of comedy and romance seen in Ghost—established her as one of Hollywood's household names. Yet, with intense fame came challenges and criticisms; earlier in her career, she dealt with being labeled as merely a "popcorn actress"—a tag following her like a shadow with little room for artistic growth.
"Thirty years ago, I had a producer tell me I was a ‘popcorn actress,’" Moore recounted during her Golden Globes win, the first major honor to come her way. "I bought in, and I believed, and over time it corroded me." Despite achieving blockbuster hits, she felt the titular label held her back, leaving her to navigate through Hollywood's treacherous waters of acceptance.
For years, Moore's career fluctuated, with some of her subsequent films failing to make waves at the box office or with critics. She captured attention with high-profile marriages, yet the persistent questioning of her talent remained. By the conclusion of the 90s, Moore's star seemed to dim following films like The Scarlet Letter and G.I. Jane, which did not perform well.
Yet the tides shifted with her 2024 performance. Her portrayal of Elisabeth Sparkle saw Moore return with fervor, lending her artistry to themes of aging and beauty. The film has not only become critically acclaimed but also run with serious Oscar aspirations. Touted as bold and courageous, Moore reflected on her character's struggle: "I knew this wasn't about highlighting my (body) and being lit most attractively. It would amplify the flaws society often overlooks."
The buzz surrounding this year's nominations stirred curiosity, especially since the Academy’s history with horror films has been rocky at best. Moore’s nomination signals not only her triumph but shifts within the industry’s acceptance of horror as serious cinema. This year, The Substance has also earned nominations for Best Picture and Best Director for Coralie Fargeat.
With her name now etched among the nominees, Moore finds herself standing beside actors like Cynthia Erivo and Karla Sofía Gascon. The upcoming Oscars ceremony is set for March 2, 2025, held at the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, promising to be both thrilling and emotional for those involved. Previous roadblocks, such as the delays due to the Los Angeles wildfires, serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of the industry, yet they have not dampened Moore's spirits.
Now, with her eyes on the prize, Moore embraces this pivotal moment of both personal and artistic significance, making headlines across the world for her rediscovered potential. "This nomination is more than just recognition; it's proof I do belong," she stated after securing the nomination. Whether or not she takes home the Oscar, for Moore, this moment of acknowledgment may be the sweetest victory yet.