“I felt moved”— When Demi Moore opened up about how The Substance came at the right point in her career

Demi Moore found herself questioning her career before starring in The Substance. The actress opened up about the low point in her life when the movie was offered to her during the Los Angeles Times Actress Roundtable. She was speaking at the Roundtable with Danielle Deadwyler, Cynthia Erivo, Saoirse Ronan, Zoe Saldaña, and Kate Winslet.

During the discussion, the actress revealed how she went through a period where she didn't find where she belonged. The roles she encountered were uninspiring, leaving her wondering, “Have I done what I was supposed to do here?” At what she described as a “low point,” Moore decided to shift her mindset and embrace self-worth, holding herself in “a state of belonging.”

However, things took a turn for her when she offered The Substance, which she said was "the first piece of material," that moved her in a very long time.

"And what's interesting is, as soon as I made that shift, The Substance two weeks later arrived across my desk. And it was the first piece of material in a very long time that I felt moved by," Moore noted.

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Deemi Moore's personal and professional journey shaped her iconic role in The Substance

Demi Moore said that her mental change proved transformative and just two weeks later, the script for The Substance landed on her desk. She immediately felt moved by the material, marking the first time in years that a project resonated deeply with her. Moore explained that the film’s themes aligned perfectly with her personal and professional journey, allowing her to channel her emotions into a standout performance.

The Substance is a feminist horror film centered around Demi Moore's character, Elisabeth Sparkle. Elisabeth is a former celebrity and fitness icon, struggling with aging and societal beauty standards.

She agrees to a Faustian deal involving an injectable drug called "The Substance," which allows her to switch bodies with Sue, a younger and more attractive woman. For seven days, Elisabeth lives in her own body, while the other seven are spent in a comatose state as Sue assumes her life.

The story delves into themes of identity, aging, and body dysmorphia. The relationship between Elisabeth and Sue evolves into a tense rivalry as they vie for control over their shared existence. Elisabeth’s desperation to maintain her youth highlights the emotional and physical toll of societal pressures.

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Demi Moore's powerful performance bagged her first-ever Golden Globe awards

Demi Moore secured her first Golden Globe at the 2025 Awards for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for The Substance.

The 62-year-old delivered an emotional and reflective acceptance speech that highlighted her journey in the entertainment industry. Moore admitted her surprise at the win by saying that she had been in the industry for over 45 years, but "this is the first time I’ve ever won anything as an actor.”

In her speech, Moore touched on themes of perseverance, self-worth, and the significance of her accomplishments. She shared an anecdote:

“I had a woman say to me, ‘Just know you will never be enough, but you can know the value of your worth if you just put down the measuring stick.’”

Thereafter, Demi Moore reflected on how this moment was a validation of her resilience and growth, saying:

“Today, I celebrate this as a marker of my wholeness and of the love that is driving me and for the gift of doing something I love and being reminded that I do belong.”

Her heartfelt words resonated with the audience and underscored the importance of her win not just professionally but also personally, marking a significant milestone in her decades-long career.