A night of celebration quickly turned into a storm of controversy at the 2025 Oscars after the Best Lead Actress award was announced. Fans expected one outcome—but the Academy had other plans.
The 2025 Academy Awards saw fierce competition in the Best Lead Actress category, with nominees including Demi Moore, Cynthia Erivo, Mikey Madison, Fernanda Torres, and Karla Sofía Gascón.
A fan comment dated March 22, 2025 | Source: Youtube/ABCNews
In the end, the Oscar went to Madison for her performance in “Anora,” a romantic comedy that won over the Academy. However, the result did not sit well with many viewers. Social media erupted with reactions, with fans arguing that Moore, who starred in “The Substance,” was more deserving of the award.
On X (formerly Twitter), users called Madison’s win a “slap in the face for Demi Moore.” One person wrote, “Demi’s reaction was so painful to watch, you can see she was completely shocked, that was her award, it was her time, and the Academy took it away from her. Gosh, I am so furious.” Another added, “Demi wasn’t pleased.”
Demi Moore’s reaction at the Oscar’s | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
Others focused on Moore’s visible reaction during the announcement. One user simply wrote, “Demi Moore’s reaction,” accompanied by four crying emojis. Another wrote, “Wow, Demi was really expecting it… her look away and ‘WOW’ must have felt rough [sic].”
Actresses nominated for Best Lead Actress category | Source: YouTube/ABCNews
Some found the moment heartbreaking, with one person stating, “Breaks my heart looking at Demi. She wqs [sic] so nervous, breathing heavy, thinking this was her moment—and was robbed.”
Despite the outrage, some balanced their disappointment with praise for Madison. “Anyway, I’m happy for Mikey Madison, she was great, but also sad for Demi Moore. You could see on her face that she was really disappointed,” one user shared.
Demi Moore at the 97th Oscars held at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Another expressed a similar sentiment, “Congratulations to all the winners at the Oscars! Ms. Demi Moore, heart-wrenching to see you not winning, but more projects to come for you, and hopefully, you’ll win one someday!”
Horror fans also voiced frustration, pointing out that the genre is often overlooked at major awards shows. “My heart broke as much as Demi Moore’s did when she didn’t hear her name. This was her year for sure. Horror always getting unfairly treated!” one user lamented.
As the conversation continues online, Madison’s victory remains a defining moment in her career, while Moore’s fans hold out hope that her long-awaited Oscar win will come another day.
