Demi Moore, 62, was reportedly deeply affected by her loss at the 97th Academy Awards, where she was a favorite to win Best Actress in a Leading Role. Body language expert Darren Stanton analyzed Moore’s reaction, stating that she appeared visibly devastated upon losing to Mikey Madison, the 25-year-old actress who took home the coveted award.

The Oscar ceremony, held on Sunday night in Los Angeles, saw Mikey Madison clinch the Best Actress award for her performance in Anora, directed by Sean Baker. It was Madison’s first nomination, and her win came as a surprise to many, especially considering the strong competition she faced, including Moore, who had been one of the most talked-about contenders leading up to the Oscars.

Madison, who was also recognized earlier this season with a Best Actress win at the 2025 BAFTAs, was up against a talented pool of nominees, including Cynthia Erivo for her role in Wicked, Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres, and Karla Sofía Gascón. However, it was Moore who many expected to take home the Oscar after a highly successful awards season. She had already garnered a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her portrayal of Elisabeth Sparkle in The Substance, a role that had earned her widespread acclaim.

Despite these achievements, it was Madison who triumphed on the night, and Moore’s reaction to the loss was one of clear shock and disappointment, according to Darren Stanton’s analysis. “Demi was absolutely gutted to not win this Oscar,” Stanton stated in a detailed breakdown for Betfair Casino. “When Mikey Madison’s name was announced as the winner, her facial expressions suggested she was trying to hide her emotions. Her mouth dropped open, and her eyes widened in disbelief, showing she was struggling to process the moment.”

Stanton observed that Moore’s attempts to mask her feelings were evident, as her smile seemed forced and inauthentic. The disappointment was visible, and it became clear that the actress had expected to take home the Oscar. “Her smile didn’t match the situation,” Stanton remarked. “It was not genuine and seemed to reflect her emotional disappointment, which was hard to hide in that moment.”

The upset sparked a flurry of discussion on social media, with fans expressing differing opinions on the result. Some took to Twitter to humorously comment on the loss, with one user joking, “Demi Moore losing to Mikey Madison is basically the plot of The Substance.” Others were more critical, saying, “Demi Moore was absolutely snubbed, and you’ll NEVER change my mind. The Oscars just proved they don’t take older women seriously, and they don’t take horror seriously.”

However, many of Moore’s supporters found a silver lining in the situation. “On the bright side, Demi Moore had an incredible awards season and has gained the admiration of a new, younger audience,” one fan wrote. Moore’s resilience throughout her career, combined with her strong performance in The Substance, suggests she will continue to have a lasting impact in Hollywood.

Looking ahead, Moore’s career is far from over. Following her impressive role in The Substance, which is currently streaming on MUBI, she is set to star in her next project, I Love Boosters, a science fiction comedy directed by Boots Riley. The film will feature an all-star cast, including Keke Palmer, LaKeith Stanfield, and Will Poulter, and promises to be another exciting chapter in Moore’s storied career.

Meanwhile, Mikey Madison’s film Anora continues to garner critical attention, and it will be available for streaming on Hulu in the United States starting March 17. The film, which has already earned numerous accolades, has helped cement Madison’s place as a rising star in Hollywood.

While the 2025 Oscars marked a bittersweet moment for Demi Moore, it’s clear that her legacy in the industry remains strong. Whether she’s taking on powerful roles in acclaimed films or venturing into new projects, Moore’s influence on Hollywood is undeniable, and her fans continue to support her every step of the way.