Demi Moore delivered an emotional acceptance speech at the Golden Globes on Sunday, expressing gratitude at finally feeling acknowledged by the industry after years of work. The iconic actor took to the stage to accept the award for Best Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical/Comedy for her leading role in body horror film The Substance. It was a highly competitive category as well, with Moore beating out Amy Adams (Nightbitch), Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Mikey Madison (Anora), and Zendaya (Challengers). "I'm just in shock right now," said Moore. "I've been doing this a long time, like over 45 years, and this is the first time I've ever won anything as an actor." Moore's claim isn't strictly true; her list of accolades is admittedly sparse. The actor's performance in Ghost won her the Saturn Award for Best Actress in 1991, and the Indiana Film Journalists Association awarded her Best Lead Performance for The Substance late last year. She was also part of Margin Call's ensemble win at the 2012 Independent Spirit Awards. Even so, tonight's Golden Globe marks Moore's first major solo win throughout her entire acting career.
"Thirty years ago I had a producer tell me, 'I was a 'popcorn actress' and at the time I made it mean…that I wasn't allowed to have this recognition,'" shared Moore, tearing up as she addressed the audience. "And I bought in and I believed this. And over time it corroded me to the point where I thought, 'maybe this was it. Maybe I was complete.'" Moore shared how she felt nearing the end of her career before receiving the script for The Substance, stating, "I had been at a ‘low point' when I was presented with the script and the universe told me, 'you're not done.'"
Moore's acceptance speech struck a chord with many as she continued, "There are times when we feel we're not enough of anything—smart enough, pretty enough, successful enough—just not enough. I had someone tell me once, 'You will never be enough. But you can know the value of your worth if you just put down the measuring stick.'" The audience met her words with cheers, particularly from women who have mirrored her struggles throughout their lives.
Set against the backdrop of Hollywood's obsession with youth, The Substance directly challenges conventional ideals of beauty and aging. Moore's character, Elisabeth Sparkle, is portrayed as someone desperate to reclaim her youth through experimental procedures, encapsulating the societal pressures women face. Critics praised Moore's performance as embodying both rage and sadness, the emotional duality enhancing her character's self-loathing and struggles with identity.
"Demi Moore has been a star and big name for decades, but she has never played a role quite like this one," noted Eric Eisenberg from CinemaBlend. "Her performance is remarkable, tapping deeply not only within the character's psyche but also connecting with broader conversations around societal standards for women. This film serves as not only entertainment but also commentary on modern culture's toxic expectations." Eisenberg also remarked on the brilliancy of the body horror genre represented through Moore's transformative experience within the film.
Having marked her debut win at the Golden Globes, this accolade from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association signifies not just her persistent talent but also how the tides are shifting within Hollywood narratives. The evolution of Moore's career and the reclaiming of her worth can serve as inspiration for others facing similar battles against self-doubt.
The award ceremony, humorously introduced by host Nikki Glaser as "Ozempic's biggest night," also showcased wins for Sebastian Stan and Best Supporting Actress for Margaret Qualley with nominations across various categories. Moore's hard-fought win stands unprecedented, as she was previously overlooked by organizations like the HFPA for years.
"I really wasn't expecting this… I’ve been doing this for so long, and I am just so humbled and grateful," Moore reiterated, acknowledging the support from her peers and the wider audience. Reflecting on her earlier struggles and the misunderstanding of her value, it is clear the tides are turning, not only for Moore’s recognition but also for women striving to find their place and voice within the industry.
Moore's next chapter is anticipated to draw even more attention with hopes of continued recognition at the Academy Awards. Statistically, the Golden Globes aren't precursors to future wins, but Moore's heartfelt performance and poignant speeches have left the industry hopeful. The Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 2, 2024, and many are already keeping their fingers crossed for her.