Demi Moore’s recent Golden Globe win for Best Actress in The Substance has propelled the iconic 1990s star into the Oscars conversation, marking a significant milestone in her career. During her acceptance speech, the 62-year-old actress, who once made headlines for her high-profile relationships and provocative magazine covers, reflected on being dismissed as a “popcorn actress” throughout her career. She acknowledged that she had “never won anything as an actor” until now.
For Coralie Fargeat, the French filmmaker behind The Substance, Moore’s recognition is a long-overdue acknowledgment of her talent. “Seeing Demi on that stage was incredibly moving,” Fargeat shared with News Wire. The director believes the film gave audiences a chance to appreciate Moore’s acting without the biases often tied to beauty. “It’s being called a comeback, but she’s always been here,” Fargeat said.
The film’s narrative, distributed globally by MUBI, centers on society’s fixation with women’s appearances and aging. Moore plays Elisabeth, a fading movie star who is fired from her fitness TV show as she turns 50. Desperate to reclaim her career, Elisabeth injects a mysterious serum that transforms her into a younger version of herself—albeit temporarily. As her youthful alter ego gains fame through the manipulation of exploitative executives, the allure of eternal youth becomes irresistible.
Fargeat, who admired Moore’s work in films like Ghost and Indecent Proposal, felt the actress’s real-life struggles with ageism and public scrutiny mirrored Elisabeth’s journey. However, casting Moore wasn’t an immediate certainty. Fargeat initially doubted Moore would embrace a role demanding extensive nudity and grotesque scenes. Her perspective changed after reading Moore’s 2019 memoir, Inside Out, which candidly discussed the actress’s battles with addiction, public divorces, and misogyny. “Her book showed me she was ready to take the risks this role required,” Fargeat said.
The filming process was grueling, with Moore losing 20 pounds and enduring shingles due to the intense demands. Co-star Margaret Qualley described the prosthetics as “torture” that triggered panic attacks. Fargeat admitted to being meticulous on set, often requiring multiple takes. “If the lead performance isn’t willing to go all the way, the movie doesn’t work,” the director said, praising Moore’s courage and commitment.
Following Moore’s Golden Globe win, The Substance has gained significant attention, both from general audiences and Oscar voters. The film is widely expected to secure nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, while Moore has emerged as a top contender for Best Actress. “From the start, I believed this was possible,” said Fargeat. “Cinema is about creating the unexpected, and I’m incredibly proud to have created this role.”
