The 97th Academy Awards surprised many when 25-year-old Mikey Madison won the Oscar for Best Actress, beating out frontrunner Demi Moore. Madison, for her role in Anora, secured her first Oscar after a successful awards season, including a BAFTA win. Moore, who had already triumphed at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and SAG Awards for The Substance, was widely expected to take home the Oscar.
Moore’s reaction to the loss, noted by body language expert Darren Stanton, indicated disappointment, with forced smiles and signs of disbelief. The results sparked social media debates, with some calling it a snub against Moore, especially given her strong season and the movie’s genre, while others praised her for earning a new audience. Despite the loss, Moore’s career remains strong, with upcoming roles like I Love Boosters.
Meanwhile, Madison’s success continues with Anora, a film that will be available for streaming on Hulu starting March 17, giving audiences the chance to see her award-winning performance.