Irony or Just the Oscars? Moore’s Loss Sparks "Substance" Comparisons

The 2025 Academy Awards delivered its share of surprises, but perhaps none more resonant than Mikey Madison’s upset victory over Demi Moore in the Best Actress category. Madison, a relative newcomer at 25, took home the coveted award for her role in "Anora," while Moore, a veteran actress nominated for her performance in the body horror film "The Substance," walked away empty-handed. The internet immediately ignited with comparisons between the outcome and the plot of "The Substance" itself, adding a layer of meta-commentary to an already captivating awards season.

In "The Substance," Moore portrays Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging actress and television personality deemed past her prime by network executives. Facing forced retirement at 50, Elisabeth undergoes an experimental treatment that creates a younger version of herself, Sue, played by Margaret Qualley. As Sue gains rapid popularity and acclaim, Elisabeth grows increasingly resentful and desperate to reclaim her former glory.

The parallels between the film’s narrative and Moore’s actual loss to a younger actress proved irresistible to social media users. "Demi Moore losing to Mikey Madison is basically the plot of The Substance," declared one X post, garnering over 250,000 likes. Another comment highlighted the "layers of irony" and deemed the situation "kinda sad." Some observers saw the outcome as a confirmation of Hollywood’s ageism and bias against genre films. "The Oscars just proved square and fair they don’t take older women seriously and they don’t take horror seriously," one post lamented.

However, the reality is more nuanced than a simple case of art imitating life. While "The Substance" explores themes of ageism and the entertainment industry’s obsession with youth, the circumstances surrounding the Oscar race were complex and multifaceted.

One crucial difference between the fictional world of "The Substance" and reality lies in Elisabeth Sparkle’s pre-existing accolades. Within the film’s universe, Elisabeth has already won an Oscar, a feat that eluded Moore until this year’s nomination. While Moore was widely considered a frontrunner, having secured wins at the Golden Globe Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards, Madison had demonstrated her own momentum by winning the British Academy Film Award for Best Actress.

Furthermore, "Anora," the film starring Madison, enjoyed significantly greater critical and Academy support than "The Substance." "Anora" secured five Oscar wins, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sean Baker, whereas "The Substance" only managed a single win for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. This disparity in overall acclaim often influences acting categories, as voters tend to favor performances in films they appreciate as a whole. As the article points out, Emma Stone’s victory over Lily Gladstone last year followed a similar pattern, with Stone’s "Poor Things" winning four Oscars compared to Gladstone’s "Killers of the Flower Moon" failing to secure any. Frances McDormand’s Best Actress win in 2021 was also attributed to the widespread support for "Nomadland," which ultimately won Best Picture.

Madison herself appeared surprised by her victory. In her acceptance speech, the actress expressed gratitude to "the sex worker community," acknowledging her role as a young stripper in "Anora" and pledging her continued support.

Despite the irony perceived by many, it’s important to note that Mikey Madison is hardly an unknown quantity. While she may not possess Moore’s decades-long career, Madison has built a solid resume with roles in Quentin Tarantino’s "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," the "Scream" franchise, and the FX series "Better Things." She is a rising star with considerable talent, and her performance in "Anora" clearly resonated with Academy voters.

The situation highlights a broader conversation about the pressures faced by women in Hollywood, particularly as they age. The industry’s tendency to prioritize youth and beauty often leads to limited opportunities and diminished visibility for older actresses. "The Substance" effectively explores these themes, but the outcome of the Oscar race doesn’t necessarily confirm a systemic bias against older actresses or horror films. Instead, it reflects the complexities of awards season, where a multitude of factors contribute to each individual win and loss.

Ultimately, Madison’s victory should be celebrated as a recognition of her talent and the impact of her performance in "Anora." While the parallels with "The Substance" may be intriguing and thought-provoking, they should not overshadow Madison’s accomplishment or diminish the significance of her win. The Oscars are rarely predictable, and this year’s Best Actress race serves as a reminder that upsets can and do happen, adding to the drama and intrigue of Hollywood’s biggest night. Whether life truly imitated art or not, the 2025 Academy Awards provided ample fodder for discussion and debate, solidifying its place in awards show history.