Demi Moore had been widely expected to win her first-ever Academy Award at the 2025 Oscars,
but when the Best Actress trophy went to Mikey Madison, her reaction did not go unnoticed.
A lip reader has now revealed the veteran actress’s one-word response to the shocking loss—offering insight into her true feelings about the unexpected upset.
Moore’s One-Word Reaction Caught on Camera
During one of the most talked-about moments of the night, Moore, 62, was seen reacting as Madison, 25, was announced as the winner for her role in Anora.
Lip-reading expert Nicky Hickling analyzed the footage and revealed that Moore quietly said the word “nice” upon hearing the result. However, the subtle gesture carried more weight than it seemed.
“Demi says ‘nice’—but she isn’t smiling when she says it,” Hickling observed. “Her body is almost nodding, as if she had to force herself to say it.”
A source close to the situation added that Moore was “obviously furious” about losing, describing her reaction as “a sarcastic take on the decision.”
A Shocking Loss for the Favorite to Win
Moore had been a strong frontrunner in the Best Actress category after winning both a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for her performance in The Substance. Many believed she was poised to take home the Oscar as well, making her loss all the more surprising.
She had been competing against Madison, Fernanda Torres, Karla Sofia Gascón, and Cynthia Erivo for the coveted award. However, in a result that stunned viewers, Madison emerged victorious.
While some celebrated Madison’s unexpected win, many of Moore’s fans were left outraged and took to social media to express their disappointment.
One fan wrote, “Feel so sad for Demi Moore. This feels worse than a break-up.” Another added, “Demi Moore was absolutely snubbed, and the Oscars proved they don’t take older women seriously.”
A third commented, “Sorry, I can’t talk. I’m devastated Demi Moore didn’t win Best Actress at the Oscars.” Others were even more blunt, with one fan simply posting, “Demi Moore was robbed.”
Madison Acknowledges Fellow Nominees in Emotional Speech
As Madison took the stage to accept her award, she made sure to acknowledge the competition—including Moore.
“I also just want to recognize the thoughtful, intelligent, beautiful, breathtaking work of my fellow nominees,” Madison said. “I’m honored to be recognized alongside all of you.”
She also used the moment to pay tribute to the sex worker community, which played a central role in her film. “I want to recognize and honor the sex worker community,” she said in her speech. “The incredible people, the women that I’ve had the privilege of meeting from that community have been one of the highlights of this incredible experience.”
Madison concluded her speech with a heartfelt message to Anora director Sean Baker, thanking him for the opportunity.
A Career-Defining Night for Anora
Madison’s win was just one of several big victories for Anora that evening. The film dominated the awards, taking home multiple major accolades, including Best Picture.
The film’s writer and director, Sean Baker, also earned the Best Original Screenplay award, Achievement in Film Editing, and Best Director.
The movie follows Ani, a young escort from Brooklyn who impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch. However, when his powerful family in Russia learns of the marriage, they set out to annul it—turning Ani’s fairy tale into a high-stakes battle.
What’s Next for Moore?
Despite missing out on an Oscar win, Moore remains at the top of her game, and her critically acclaimed performance in The Substance has further cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses. While she may not have taken home the golden statue this time, the overwhelming fan support suggests that audiences believe she was more than deserving of the honor.
With her return to the spotlight stronger than ever, it’s likely that Moore will continue taking on powerful roles—and perhaps, one day, finally claim the Oscar that many feel she was unfairly denied this year.
