A professional lip reader has weighed in on what Demi Moore said after losing the Best Actress Oscar.
The 62-year-old star attended the 97th Academy Awards, which took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 2.
Moore was a fan-favorite heading into the ceremony, with many predicting she would take home the Actress in a Leading Role award for her role as Elisabeth Sparkle in the body horror The Substance.
Her performance had already earned her a Golden Globe, and bookmakers had her as a strong contender. However, she ended up losing to 25-year-old Mikey Madison for her role in Anora - leaving many fans shocked and eager to decode Moore’s immediate reaction.
Watch the moment below:When Madison's name was read out, cameras captured Moore’s subtle response, leading to widespread speculation about what she actually said.
Lip reader Nicola Hickling has now provided some insight, revealing to Daily Mail that Moore’s reaction was a simple, one-word remark.
“Demi says ‘nice’ but she isn't smiling when she says it,” Hickling explained. “Her body is almost nodding like she had to force herself to say it.”
Despite her disappointment, the Ghost star remained composed and was later seen applauding the young actress as she made her way to the stage.
Moore’s loss didn’t sit well with many viewers, who quickly took to social media to express their frustration.
Some pointed out the eerie similarities between her real-life Oscars moment and the plot of The Substance, in which her character turns to a black-market de-aging treatment after being cast out of Hollywood for her age.
“Demi Moore losing to Mikey Madison is basically the plot of the Substance,” one fan tweeted. A second simply wrote: “Demi Moore robbed.”
Another viewer fumed: “Demi Moore was absolutely snubbed and you’ll NEVER change my mind. The Oscars just proved square and fair they don’t take older women seriously and they don’t take Horror seriously.”
Despite the backlash, it was a triumphant night for Madison, whose performance in Sean Baker’s film earned her the prestigious award.
The film follows Anora Mikheeva, a young stripper who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, setting off a whirlwind of drama.
During her acceptance speech, Madison took a moment to recognize the sex worker community, stating: “I also just want to, again, recognize and honour the sex worker community. I will. Yes. I will continue to support and be an ally."
“All of the incredible people, the women that I’ve had the privilege of meeting from that community has been one of the highlights of this incredible experience," she added.
Anora was one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home five out of its six nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.