LOS ANGELES

US actress Demi Moore won a Golden Globe for best performance by a female actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy for ‘The Substance.’ (AFP pic)

A Golden Globe Win for Demi Moore

LOS ANGELES: Demi Moore’s Golden Globe best actress win for “The Substance” has, almost overnight, transformed the 1990s megastar into a seemingly unlikely favourite for the Oscars.

A Late-Career Reappraisal

In her acceptance speech Sunday, the 62-year-old – who once generated headlines as much for her love life and naked Vanity Fair covers as for her hit films – said she had long been dismissed as a “popcorn actress,” and had never “won anything as an actor.”

But for Coralie Fargeat, the French director who also wrote Moore’s new, blood-drenched body horror film, there is nothing surprising about the late-career reappraisal her leading lady is now enjoying.

A New Perspective

“It was so moving to see Demi on that stage,” Fargeat told AFP, the morning after Moore’s big win.

The movie allowed audiences “to see who she is as an actress, and not project any more the stereotype that if you’re beautiful, you can’t be a good actress.”

“It is being called a comeback. But she has always been here,” Fargeat added.

The Movie’s Premise

Society’s obsession with pigeonholing and pinning expiration dates on women is the core premise of “The Substance.”

In the film, globally distributed by MUBI, Moore’s character Elisabeth is a fading movie star, who is abruptly fired from her hit TV fitness show as she turns 50.

Out of desperation, she injects herself with a mysterious serum which allows her to live in a younger version of her body – as long as she returns to her older form every week.

A Dream Role

Fargeat had long been a fan of Moore’s acting work, which included hits like “Indecent Proposal” and “Ghost,” as well as more divisive fare like “GI Jane.”

“I could like or not like the movies, but I think she always delivered pretty great performances,” said the director.

But Moore’s real-life career also incarnated “this iconic star” represented by her character in “The Substance.”

“Someone who has been totally valued for this dream, this fake promise that if you’re young, beautiful, you’re going to be happy and successful,” said Fargeat.

Oscars Race

With the Globes win, more attention will come to “The Substance” – both from wider audiences, and Oscars voters, who are picking their final nominees on ballots due this week.

Fargeat herself could earn nods for best director and best original screenplay, and “The Substance” is tipped by many pundits to make the best picture list.

But few would now bet against Moore for best actress.

Conclusion

Moore’s Golden Globe win has sparked a new wave of interest in her career, and her performance in “The Substance” is being hailed as a game-changer. With the Oscars just around the corner, it remains to be seen whether Moore will take home the top prize, but one thing is certain – she has already made a lasting impact on the film industry.

FAQs

Q: What is the premise of “The Substance”?

A: The movie follows the story of a fading movie star who injects herself with a mysterious serum to live in a younger version of her body.

Q: Who directed “The Substance”?

A: The film was directed by Coralie Fargeat, a French director who also wrote the screenplay.

Q: What was Demi Moore’s reaction to winning the Golden Globe?

A: Moore said she was moved to see herself on the stage and thanked the Academy for the recognition.

Q: Is Demi Moore a favorite to win the Oscar for best actress?

A: With her Golden Globe win, Moore is now a strong contender for the best actress Oscar, but the final decision will be made by the Academy voters.