'Disingenuous' Demi Moore 'Couldn’t Believe What Was Happening in Front of Her' When She Lost the Oscar, Body Language Expert Claims
Find out why a body language expert says Demi Moore's reaction after not winning the Oscar was "disingenuous" despite her smiles.
Celebrity
Here's what a body language expert noticed immediately from Demi Moore the moment she lost the Oscar to Mikey Madison.
by Michelle Kapusta
Published on March 3, 2025
The 97th Academy Awards have come and gone leaving a few surprises in its wake. One of the biggest of the night came when the winner for the Best Actress category was announced.
Demi Moore was a favorite to take home the Oscar for her performance in the film The Substance after she won at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and the SAG Awards. In fact, the only hint that Moore wasn’t a 100% shoo-in was because she did not walk away with the Best Actress honor at the BAFTAs. Still, the betting odds were in her favor and many predicted that this was her time.
However, she did not win. That Oscar instead went to the BAFTA winner, newcomer Mikey Madison for her role in the film Anora. We all saw Moore’s reaction when Madison’s name was called. Now, a body language expert is sharing insights on the feelings the star displayed sitting in her seat as she appeared to not really believe what was going on around her.
Darren Stanton is a body language and behavioral expert with a degree in psychology. He previously worked as a police officer and used his expertise to uncover the truth when interviewing hundreds of suspects. He later moved into media and TV as a consultant and has been dubbed the “Human Lie Detector.” Now, Stanton has analyzed Moore’s reaction the moment her name was not announced as the winner for Best Actress.
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, Stanton observed: “Demi was absolutely gutted to not win this Oscar. We saw her masking her smiles when Mikey was announced the winner of Best Actress. After her success during this year’s awards season, I think she felt this was her time at the Oscars.
“We can see she was shocked and in disbelief of Mikey winning over her. Demi is disappointed, there’s no doubt about it. Her mouth is wide open and her eyes are engaged fully onto the stage, showing us she just couldn’t believe what was happening in front of her. She was full of emotions at this point, but her smiles did come across as disingenuous.”
Speaking with Sportsbook Review, longtime PR guru Lynn Carratt said: “Demi Moore demonstrated true professionalism and class following her loss at the Oscars. Despite being a favorite to win Best Actress for her acclaimed performance in The Substance, she lost out to 25-year-old Mikey Madison.”
Demi Moore at the 97th Oscars in Hollywood, California | Gilbert Flores/Penske Media via Getty Images
Carratt noted that “While Demi was visibly emotional, she remained composed and showed grace. It’s admirable to see such an experienced actress support young talent. Although Demi hasn’t won an Oscar in a career spanning four decades, neither has Tom Cruise, proving that even Hollywood legends experience setbacks. I’m sure Demi was disappointed, but she’s had a successful award season, winning a Golden Globe and a SAG Award.
“There will be debate about the Oscar going to a much younger actress, but age isn’t a factor. Jessica Tandy won at 80, so Demi still has plenty of time. Demi’s performance in The Substance has earned her newfound respect and reinvigorated her career, which will likely lead to future Oscar-worthy roles. Despite competing against Mikey Madison the pair have developed a friendship during the awards season and I’m sure Mikey will now be turning to Demi for advice, Demi has respect for her peers. It will be exciting to see what Demi does next.”