Demi Moore, 62, was reportedly devastated after missing out on the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 97th Academy Awards, according to body language expert Darren Stanton. The highly anticipated ceremony, held on Sunday night in Los Angeles, saw 25-year-old Mikey Madison take home the prestigious honor, securing the Oscar for Best Actress in what many are calling a major upset.

Madison, who delivered a powerful performance in Sean Baker’s critically acclaimed Anora, triumphed over an exceptionally strong lineup of contenders, including Demi Moore, who had been considered a frontrunner after dominating the awards season. The young actress’s victory was even more remarkable given that this was her first Oscar nomination. Before this, Madison had already gained significant momentum by winning Best Actress at the 2025 BAFTAs. Her path to victory saw her surpass a talented field that included Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres, and Karla Sofía Gascón.

Many expected Moore to claim the Oscar, especially given her sweeping success throughout awards season. Her portrayal of Elisabeth Sparkle in The Substance had already earned her a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, making her the perceived favorite to win on Hollywood’s biggest night. However, when the envelope was opened, and Madison’s name was announced, Moore’s reaction reportedly conveyed a mix of shock and disappointment.

According to Stanton, Moore’s body language suggested that she was struggling to conceal her emotions at the unexpected loss. “Demi was absolutely gutted to not win this Oscar,” Stanton shared in an analysis for Betfair Casino. “Her facial expressions suggested she was trying to mask her feelings when Mikey was announced as the winner of Best Actress.”

The expert described Moore’s immediate reaction, pointing out the visible signs of her disbelief. “We saw her mouth drop open, her eyes widen—she was clearly shocked and struggling to process what had just happened,” Stanton noted. “Her smiles looked forced and didn’t appear genuine, reflecting the emotional disappointment she felt.”

Moore’s loss has fueled intense conversations across social media, with fans passionately debating the results. Some have taken to Twitter to express their frustration, insisting that Moore was unfairly overlooked. One fan humorously pointed out, “Demi Moore losing to Mikey Madison is basically the plot of The Substance.” Another wrote, “Demi Moore was absolutely snubbed and you’ll NEVER change my mind. The Oscars just proved square and fair they don’t take older women seriously and they don’t take horror seriously.”

While some fans are voicing their disappointment, others have chosen to celebrate Moore’s incredible achievements throughout the season, emphasizing the recognition she has received from both the industry and audiences. “On the bright side, Demi Moore had a stellar awards season and has earned the admiration of a new, younger audience,” one supporter noted, highlighting her remarkable comeback in Hollywood.

Despite the Oscar loss, Moore’s career remains on a strong trajectory. Following her critically acclaimed performance in The Substance, which is currently available for streaming on MUBI, Moore is set to embark on another exciting project. Her next role will be in I Love Boosters, a science fiction comedy directed by Boots Riley. The film features an impressive ensemble cast that includes Keke Palmer, LaKeith Stanfield, and Will Poulter, ensuring that Moore remains in the spotlight and continues to build on her recent success.

Meanwhile, Madison’s Anora, which has already garnered widespread acclaim, is set to reach an even broader audience. The film will be available for streaming on Hulu starting March 17 in the United States, allowing fans and critics alike to witness the performance that secured Madison her first Academy Award.

The debate surrounding Moore’s Oscar loss is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Many believe she delivered a career-defining performance in The Substance, and some argue that the Academy still tends to overlook veteran actresses and the horror genre. Whether the result was fair or not, it’s undeniable that Moore’s resurgence in Hollywood has left a lasting impression, further cementing her legacy as one of the industry’s most enduring stars.

What do you think? Did Demi Moore deserve the Oscar for her performance in The Substance? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this controversial Oscars moment.