Mikey Madison v. Demi Moore: Who Really Deserved Actress of the Year?

Molly Fox '26

The Oscars always spark debate, and this year, the conversation dominating Hollywood is whether the Academy made the right choice for Actress of the Year. The award went to Mikey Madison, but many question whether she was truly the most deserving over seasoned actress Demi Moore.

In my opinion, yes, Mikey Madison earned Actress of the Year. Her dedication to her role was undeniable. She went above and beyond by learning Russian for several of her lines and spent countless hours with women working in the adult industry, which Anora centers on. After watching numerous interviews and her acceptance speech, it’s clear that Madison exudes class, appreciation, and excitement as she continues to flourish in her career. Her performance was raw and authentic, showcasing not only her passion for the role but also her commitment to growing as an actress.

However, there’s no denying that Demi Moore delivered a phenomenal performance in The Substance. The film tackles ageism, misogyny, and other relevant social issues in a way that resonates deeply. Many have pointed out the irony—and even the injustice—of Moore’s loss, as The Substance revolves around a woman being replaced by a younger actress. After an extensive and successful career, Moore poured everything she’s learned into this role, making it one of her strongest performances.

While both sides present compelling arguments, the Oscar is awarded based on a single performance—not an entire career. Dedication to the role and the impact it has on future generations of actresses should be considered, not just experience. If awards were given solely based on tenure, emerging talent would struggle to gain recognition. Madison’s hard work and preparation for Anora set a new standard, and it’s important to acknowledge new talent when they show this level of commitment.

That being said, The Substance deserved more recognition than it received. Despite being an uncomfortable watch, its commentary was powerful. I believe Anora was slightly overpraised. Its excessive use of vulgarity, particularly the repetition of the F-word, distracted from its message rather than enhancing it.

The numerous awards given to its directors felt redundant, especially when films like The Substance, Wicked, and I’m Still Here were overlooked in the same categories. While it’s impressive that Anora dominated as an independent film, I don’t believe it was the most deserving in every category. Mikey Madison’s performance alone justified her Oscar win.

What do you think—did the Academy get it right?