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Arts & Culture
08 February 2025

Demi Moore Triumphs At Critics Choice Awards For 'The Substance'

The actress's inspiring speech reinforces her candidacy for the Oscars following her award-winning performance.

Demi Moore is inching closer to achieving her long-coveted Oscar after winning the Best Actress award at the 30th Critics Choice Awards for her compelling performance in the horror-comedy film, The Substance. The ceremony took place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, where Hollywood's elite gathered to honor the best talent in film and television. Moore, 62, triumphed over strong competition, which included nominees such as Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, Karla Sofía Gascón for Emilia Pérez, Marianne Jean-Baptiste for Hard Truths, Angelina Jolie for Maria, and Mikey Madison for Anora.

Moore's performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a once-successful actress who injects herself with an experimental serum to regain her youth, has garnered significant praise and positioned her as a frontrunner for this year’s Academy Awards. The film narrates her darkly comedic story interlaced with horror elements as both the older and younger versions of Elisabeth navigate the treacherous path to relevance. During her acceptance speech, she expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m truly honored to receive this recognition. This role challenged me in ways I never expected, and I’m grateful to everyone who believed in this project.”

This win adds to her accolades, following her recent victory at the Golden Globes for Best Actress – Comedy or Musical, and solidifies her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actresses. “This has been such a wild ride,” she remarked onstage, acknowledging the unexpected nature of her recognition and success at this point in her career. She continued, saying, “For anybody out there who is still on their journeys…just because it hasn’t happened, doesn’t mean it’s not happening, dreams do come true.”

The Critics Choice Awards, which was originally scheduled for January 12 but postponed due to wildfires in Los Angeles, saw The Substance snagging multiple awards. Not only did Moore take home the Best Actress award, but Coralie Fargeat, the film's writer-director, won for Best Original Screenplay, underscoring the film's impactful narrative. The overall success of the film was celebrated, as it tied with Emilia Pérez and Wicked for the most wins on the film side.

Moore's evocative performance at the Critics Choice ceremony echoed her sentiments from the Golden Globes, where she reflected on her career's challenges and milestones. She recounted how, 30 years prior, she was told by a producer she was just a “popcorn actress,” capable of starring in successful films but unlikely to be acknowledged for her work. “That corroded me over time,” Moore shared. “But today, I celebrate this as a marker of my wholeness and of the love driving me.”

Her experience with The Substance, which has grossed about $77 million worldwide since its premiere at Cannes where it received an impressive 13-minute standing ovation, has the industry buzzing about her potential Oscar win. Critics have lauded her performance as one of her best, remarking on its depth and her ability to bring complex emotions to life within the horror genre. “Normally, horror films are overlooked and not seen for the profundity they can hold,” she stated during her acceptance speech, emphasizing the film's rich narrative. Moore's advocacy for horror as a serious genre reflects the film's unique approach to tackle themes of aging and societal relevance.

Meanwhile, the award show also carried significant weight for Moore's fellow nominees. The absence of Gascón, whose film had gained notoriety, was notable as scandal surrounded her involvement following resurfaced troubling comments. Moore recognized her fellow nominees with gratitude during her acceptance, serving as an interruption to the otherwise celebratory evening.

With her powerful speeches and acclaimed performances, Demi Moore has reignited her place within the industry as she heads toward the Oscars. Her visibility is expected to remain strong leading up to the Academy Awards, where she is nominated alongside other rising stars. With the awards season ramping up, her potential for winning tangible accolades is higher than ever, promising to be both competitive and memorable.