On Sunday, The Substance’s Demi Moore ended up losing the Best Actress in a Leading Role Oscar to Anora’s Mikey Madison at the 2025 Academy Awards. Moore was a first-time Oscar nominee and had been the frontrunner after her Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and SAG Award wins in the category.
A day after the ceremony, the 62-year-old actress reflected on her awards season run and gave Madison a public show of support on Instagram.
“As this awards season comes to a close, I’m so overwhelmed with gratitude for this journey,” Moore wrote. “It’s been the ride of a lifetime and we’re just getting started! So grateful for my team, my fellow nominees, and everyone who has made this experience so full of joy and light. Thank you to the cast, crew, and fans of @trythesubstance—@isimostar and @coralie_fargeat it’s been such an honor to work alongside you, learn from you, and celebrate this film with you. And a huge congratulations to #MikeyMadison—can’t wait to see what you do next ♥️”
That same day, Madison revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that she and Moore talked after her Best Actress win. “I texted with Demi, who I adore,” the Anora actress said. “She’s one of the sweetest, kindest women I’ve ever met, and I’m so grateful that I was able to meet her and witness her brilliance and talent in person. I adore her and I can’t wait to see what she does next, what kind of characters she brings us. I think we’re all so ready and excited to see that.”
Moore’s three daughters also posted tributes to their mom. Rumer Willis wrote, “What a night!!! Mama you are my forever winner.” She shared a longer tribute to Moore before the Academy Awards, where she wrote:
My mama. My hero. My forever winner. @demimoore
Watching you today, standing in your power, in your brilliance, in the culmination of decades of hard work, resilience, and undeniable talent—I have never been more proud. You have dedicated your life to your craft, pouring every ounce of yourself into the stories you tell, the characters you bring to life, and the barriers you continue to break. And tonight, the world gets to witness what I have always known: you are a force.
From the moment I was old enough to understand what you do, I have watched in awe—not just as your daughter, but as a fellow actress—learning from the way you navigate this industry with strength, grace, and an unwavering dedication to your artistry. You have never taken the easy road. You have pushed boundaries, defied expectations, and time and time again, paved the way for so many women to step into their power. And here you are, still leading, still inspiring, still proving that greatness is not just about talent, but about perseverance, passion, and an unshakable belief in yourself.
No matter what happens tonight, you are already victorious in my eyes. Because your legacy isn’t just in the awards or accolades—it’s in the way you have redefined what’s possible, for yourself and for every woman who dares to dream.
I love you more than words can say. Now go shine, mama. I know you are gonna Win Big Baby
Scout LaRue Willis shared a photo of them together, writing, “I’ve never been more proud to be a part of this family.”
And Tallulah Willis shared a photo of Moore eating French fries after the Oscars, writing, “MY winner 🍟.” She added in a second post featuring photos of her at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, “celebrating my hero, my mama @demimoore last night! I’m so grateful to be able to love on her all night, thanks for having me @vanityfair !”
Madison doesn’t have social media so she hasn’t made any public statements following her Best Actress win.
In the Oscar press room, reporters asked her what the award meant for her career. She replied, “I’ve been thinking about the future a lot and also the past. I’ve been really trying to remind myself to stay as present as possible throughout all of this, so I don’t know. I really don’t know what will happen in the future. I just want to keep making movies and continue to work with people who inspire me and play interesting characters, tell stories that are compelling.”
Madison did not address Moore directly but gave a shout-out to her and the other Best Actress nominees in her Oscar acceptance speech. “I also just want to recognize the thoughtful, intelligent, beautiful, breathtaking work of my fellow nominees,” she said. “I’m honored to be recognized alongside all of you. This is a dream come true; I’m probably gonna wake up tomorrow. ”
