Demi Moore has now earned the prestigious title of an Oscar nominee. Once renowned for producing smash-hit movies and contributing to films lauded by award givers (such as Ghost and A Few Good Men), the star herself has, until recently, never been on the receiving end of such accolades for her acting prowess. Thanks to her audacious and emotionally resonant portrayal in the disturbing yet satirical body-horror film The Substance, Moore now stands as a leading contender in a tightly contested best-actress race at the Oscars. Simultaneously, her film is making strides, earning nominations for best picture, director, and screenplay.
Moore’s role in the film, where she goes to drastic lengths to challenge her industry’s ageist and sexist realities, has struck a chord, resonating with both viewers and the industry. Arguably, the industry might feel the impact profoundly. The role allowed her a unique reflective journey, providing her the opportunity to face her own vanity and dig ever deeper, essentially stepping out into an abyss of unpredictability. Moore commented, ‘I was fairly confident of the extreme narrative style, which walked the fine line between unreality and reality. However, the brutal physicality of scenes involving blood and having your head slammed into a mirror is something you cannot envision beforehand.’
Shortly after her Oscar nomination was announced, I was able to connect with Moore over a call. The actress shared, ‘I celebrated the news with my daughter over FaceTime, amidst the excited yapping of my dogs. My heart was pounding, the adrenaline was high. I believe I was still in a state of disbelief, and the calm is only beginning to settle now. My frazzled state led to hastily wrapping up a call; I must call them back.’ When asked if she had felt nervous before the announcement, Moore revealed her sleep was troubled due to the anticipation.
She further said, ‘Indeed, I was anxious the previous night. Later, however, I found myself abruptly yanked back into reality with a wildfire blazing alarmingly close to my home. It is quite humbling when life throws such reminders; it does not adhere to our schedule or our anxieties. Nonetheless, I wanted to be fully alert for the announcement, hence I had my alarm set.’ Given the shared fact of the wildfire, I was intrigued to know how Moore felt about the Academy’s decision to go ahead with the festivities amidst the looming crisis in LA.
Moore responded, ‘Indeed, we’re living in sensitive times. However, I wouldn’t underestimate the streak of resilience in our industry. The decision to persevere reflects the integral importance this event holds for us. A nomination, or an award, is arguably the highest professional recognition for our relentless hard work. It’s inspiring to see the community unite and contribute to face these drastic times. Different industry organizations have stepped up their efforts, ensuring we maintain respect and provide support for those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. Amidst this sadness, it’s vital to find small pockets of happiness.’
When queried about the response to The Substance, and the finest accolades received including the best-picture and director nominations, she expressed her thoughts saying, ‘It’s less about my individual recognition and more about what the film’s success represents. It symbolizes a turning point, blazing trails and heralding potential opportunities for other artists and filmmakers who might follow. The collective nod our film has received feels far greater than my personal achievement.’
When pointed out that her first-ever nomination in association with this particular film could signal a career shift, Moore shared her delight: ‘There’s a wonderful sweetness to this moment. I am incredibly humbled and feel even more overjoyed when I think about the people who’ve voted for me – my peers. The truth that the initial vote came from my fellow actors makes this honor doubly humbling.’
Upon being asked about how she has been dealing with life post winning the Golden Globe, and if she has had a chance to reflect on the rapid changes her career and life are undergoing, she shared: ‘There couldn’t be a more dramatic contrast in situations. The period following the awards was filled with joy until life took a sharp turn. The city underwent drastic changes, and I even had to evacuate my home due to the wildfires.’
Thereafter, Moore paused to reflect before continuing, ‘Right after the peak moment of the award win, I was hit with the harsh realities of life. It was a grounding experience. We are surrounded by such diverse experiences – there is extreme joy on one hand and an equally extreme situation on the other. It truly puts things into perspective.’
She further elaborated, ‘It feels like being caught in a whirlwind. One moment I was experiencing the exhilaration of an award win, and the next, I was confronted with the grim reality of an unbridled wildfire. It oscillates between moments of extreme highs to sudden reminders of what’s fundamentally important.’
She concluded, ‘Such stark contrasts definitely leave you unsettled, but they also put things into a much broader perspective. The industry recognition provided a personal high of joy and accomplishment. At the same time, the wildfire’s harsh reality necessitated a reality check, reminding me of what is truly important. In the grand scheme of things, striking a balance is key.’
Reflecting on her emotional state after experiencing such extremes, Moore revealed a sense of calmness silently setting in, even amidst the excitement of the Oscar nomination. ‘It’s a series of deeply affecting moments, both joyous and somber, and it’s been quite a balance to maintain. However, all of it has reiterated the fragility and unpredictability of life,’ she shared.
‘The reality of the situation on both ends of the spectrum definitely hits you hard. Going from the Golden Globe win, the joy and the recognition, to being evacuated due to a wildfire – it has all been a whirlwind. It’s about learning to accept and handle these contrasting moments in the best way possible,’ she added.
Experiencing joy amidst tragedy can certainly be a complex and emotional journey. ‘Having to evacuate a day after the joyous moment of the Golden Globe win was a stark reminder of the hard realities of life. Yet, the excitement of the Oscar nomination gives hope and joy in these challenging times,’ Moore reflected.
In many ways, an Oscar nomination represents not just an individual’s success, but also proof of the industry’s resilience. Whether Moore takes home the prestigious award or not, the nomination in itself reflects a broader positive shift in recognizing diverse and thoughtful storytelling.
Finally, with a calm voice echoing resilience and a streak of optimism, Moore signed off, ‘It’s been a mix of high moments and intense, grounding experiences. But life is such, and I believe it’s about cherishing the moments of joy while dealing bravely with adversity.’