There’s no doubt about it: Demi Moore is the clear favorite. Just a few months ago, the idea of the American actress—an icon of past decades—making an Oscars comeback seemed unimaginable. But on March 2, she’ll be at the pinnacle of Hollywood once again.
The Best Actress race has been the most unpredictable of the season. Early frontrunners like Nicole Kidman (Babygirl), Angelina Jolie (Maria Callas), and Saoirse Ronan (The Outrun) saw their momentum fade over time. Even Pamela Anderson (The Last Showgirl), once considered a long-shot, generated serious awards buzz. But it was the stunning resurgence of a 90s megastar that electrified the category. Demi Moore (The Substance) has the narrative the Academy loves to reward—a triumphant return, pure Hollywood magic.
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The British actress, largely unknown to many, delivers a mesmerizing performance as the Wicked Witch of the West in the new Wizard of Oz musical. This marks her third Oscar nomination; she was previously nominated in 2020 for Harriet, which also earned her a nod for Best Original Song (Stand Up). She now ranks as the second most-nominated Black actress in the Best Actress category, trailing only Viola Davis.
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A groundbreaking Spanish-born actress making history. She is only the second Spanish-born performer to earn an Oscar nomination, following in the footsteps of Penélope Cruz. Both hail from Alcobendas, near Madrid, a striking coincidence. She won Best Actress at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival alongside the ensemble cast of Emilia Pérez. She's long been a household name in Mexico, but is now known far and wide. Controversy has surrounded her in recent weeks, making an Oscar win unlikely.
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The category’s biggest surprise comes from a veteran Brazilian actress whose Golden Globe victory cemented her as a serious contender. Her win came 26 years after her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, was nominated for Central Station. This moment completes a full-circle story—Fernanda Torres, who won Best Actress at Cannes in 1986 at just 20 years old, now joins her mother as an Oscar nominee. Their mother-daughter legacy echoes that of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli.
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The Hollywood powerhouse of the late ‘80s and ‘90s, now 62, has the best shot of her career at winning an Oscar. It’s her first-ever nomination, and it comes for what is widely regarded as her best role since Ghost. A once-dominant star who had faded from the limelight, Moore is now making a spectacular comeback. Her career is packed with legendary casting stories, near-miss roles, and unforgettable performances, and this may finally be her crowning moment.
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The breakout star of the year. At just 24, she has captivated audiences, critics, and Academy voters with a role written specifically for her in Anora, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. She’s the fresh face of this awards season, and while she may not take home the Oscar this time, she’s almost certain to be back. Some may remember her from Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood.
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This year’s Best Actress race feels all but decided. Demi Moore is the overwhelming favorite. Hollywood loves a comeback story, and Moore’s return to the top—after decades of highs and lows—is the kind of narrative that the Academy relishes. A resurgence from the ashes, a tale of redemption, a second chance—this is the perfect Oscar-winning formula. And beyond the storyline, her performance in The Substance is nothing short of masterful. Despite the film’s sci-fi and horror elements, it has won over audiences and critics alike.On Oscar night, expect Demi Moore to claim her long-awaited golden statue.
