Demi Moore, 62, was reportedly heartbroken after losing the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 97th Academy Awards, according to body language expert Darren Stanton. The prestigious ceremony, held on Sunday night in Los Angeles, saw 25-year-old Mikey Madison take home one of the night’s most significant honors—the Oscar for Best Actress.

Madison, who delivered a compelling performance in Sean Baker’s critically acclaimed Anora, triumphed over some of Hollywood’s most formidable talents, including Demi Moore, who had been widely regarded as a strong favorite after dominating the awards season. Madison’s victory marked a major career milestone, as this was her first Oscar nomination and win. Prior to her Academy Award triumph, she had already secured a Best Actress victory at the 2025 BAFTAs, solidifying her status as one of the industry’s rising stars. Madison overcame a highly competitive field that included Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres, and Karla Sofía Gascón.

Many believed Moore had the Oscar locked in, given her impressive streak throughout the awards season. Her performance as Elisabeth Sparkle in The Substance had already earned her multiple prestigious accolades, including a Golden Globe, a Critics Choice Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. With so much momentum behind her, industry experts and fans alike were convinced she would claim the Academy Award as well. However, when the moment arrived and Madison’s name was announced, Moore’s reaction reportedly conveyed deep shock and disappointment.

According to Stanton, Moore’s body language suggested she struggled to hide her true emotions after the unexpected loss. “Demi was absolutely gutted to not win this Oscar,” Stanton explained 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 noted that Moore’s initial reaction spoke volumes about her disbelief. “We saw her mouth drop open, her eyes widen—she was clearly shocked and struggling to process what had just happened,” Stanton added. “Her smiles looked forced and didn’t appear genuine, reflecting the emotional disappointment she felt.”

Moore’s loss has sparked intense debate across social media, with fans passionately weighing in on the outcome. Some expressed their frustration over what they considered an unfair snub. One fan humorously pointed out, “Demi Moore losing to Mikey Madison is basically the plot of The Substance.” Another Twitter user wrote, “Demi Moore was absolutely snubbed and you’ll NEVER change my mind. The Oscars just proved, plain and simple, that they don’t take older women seriously, and they definitely don’t respect horror films.”

However, others have chosen to focus on the positives, recognizing that Moore has had one of the most impressive comebacks in recent Hollywood history. “On the bright side, Demi Moore had a stellar awards season and has earned the admiration of a new, younger audience,” one fan wrote, acknowledging how her recent performances have resonated with viewers across different generations.

Despite the Oscar loss, Moore’s career is still on an upward trajectory. Following her critically acclaimed performance in The Substance, which is currently available for streaming on MUBI, she is set to take on an exciting new project. Her next film, I Love Boosters, is a science fiction comedy directed by Boots Riley. The film boasts an all-star cast, including Keke Palmer, LaKeith Stanfield, and Will Poulter, ensuring that Moore continues to stay in the spotlight and further establish her legacy in the industry.

Meanwhile, Madison’s Anora, which has already received high praise from critics and audiences alike, is set to reach an even wider audience. The film will be available for streaming on Hulu starting March 17 in the United States, allowing viewers to witness the performance that secured Madison her first Academy Award.

The discussion surrounding Moore’s Oscar loss is unlikely to die down anytime soon. Many believe she delivered a career-defining performance in The Substance, and some argue that the Academy continues to overlook veteran actresses and the horror genre as a whole. Whether or not the results were justified, one thing is undeniable—Demi Moore’s resurgence in Hollywood has left a lasting impression, and she remains one of the industry’s most respected and admired figures.

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