Demi Moore made headlines once again as she secured the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role award at the 31st Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, held on February 23, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles. The 62-year-old actress was recognized for her compelling role in the body horror film 'The Substance', making her acceptance all the more poignant.
Struggling to hold back tears, Moore delivered a heartfelt speech where she reflected on the significance of receiving her SAG card at the young age of 15.
"This is extraordinary and so deeply meaningful. I was thinking about this night and I realized I hadn't thought back to when I got my membership to this incredible organization. It was in 1978, I was 15, almost 16, and it changed my life because it gave me meaning, it gave me purpose, and it gave me direction because I was a kid on my own who had no blueprint for life," Moore expressed, recalling how the acting community served as her guiding light.
Moore encouraged young actors to cherish their connections, adding, "Just to bring forward this idea, it was the casting directors and directors, and producers who got me in the room to audition where I could feel you and you could feel me. Your feedback meant everything to me, so... don't lose sight of the human connection that's the work we do, to be connected to one another." Her inspiring words were warmly received by the audience, many of whom nodded along.
This victory marks Moore's third significant win among major Oscar precursor ceremonies this season, having previously taken home best actress awards at the Golden Globes and Critics' Choice Awards. This achievement solidifies her position as one of the frontrunners for the Best Actress Oscar, soon to be awarded on March 2.
Competing for the SAG award alongside Moore were notable actresses such as Pamela Anderson for 'The Last Showgirl', Cynthia Erivo for 'Wicked', Karla Sofía Gascón for 'Emilia Pérez', and Mikey Madison for 'Anora'. With the awards season nearing its climax, all eyes were on the show-stopper, Moore, whose performance has garnered both commercial acclaim and artistic validation.
Her role as Elizabeth Sparkle, portrayed as once-popular actress and fitness guru who grapples with aging and self-worth through radical measures, has received widespread praise. Moore has emotionally described filming 'The Substance' as both liberative and challenging, delving deeply not only within her character's struggle but also confronting her own personal narratives about beauty and dignity.
Reflecting on these experiences, she mentioned, "What we have the power to change is the violence we hold against ourselves, and the idea of the 'better you' being the you who accepts who you are—this, to me, is the ultimate narrative. I hope it resonates not just with the audience but my fellow peers as well." This insight reveals the layered complexity which underlines her performance and her personal life experiences.
Moore’s compelling remarks about the importance of connection resonate deeply within today's Hollywood environment, which can often seem disconnected amid the glitz. A veteran star, she has remained relevant through the years, recently delivering powerful performances and potent speeches reflecting on contemporary issues.
At the SAG Awards, there was also the presentation of the prestigious Life Achievement Award to Jane Fonda, whom Moore was seen greeting warmly on the red carpet. Fonda’s presence at the event accentuated the themes of community and resilience as she accepted her honor for decades of work as advocate and actress.
The SAG Awards ceremony, uniquely focused on celebrating actors, showcased not only the nominees and winners but also featured powerful tributes to emotional storytelling and the bonds forged within the acting community. The feathers of emotion brushed against the stellar performances of those present.
Culmination of the ceremony, with its intimate environment, provided actors with the chance to share personal insights and accolades, making the night rich with memories and respect for the craft. Moore’s win and her reflective speech not only shared her triumph but also shed light onto the human side of the industry.
Looking forward, it seems Moore’s momentum will carry her through to the Oscars, with anticipation set blazing for the culmination of this awards season. Her affirmation of connection and community serves as enduring reminders of the powerful narratives woven through cinema and life itself.