The 97th Academy Awards, set to air on March 2, will see Hollywood’s elite gather for a night of glitz, glamour, and fierce competition. Hosted by Conan O’Brien and broadcast live on ABC and Hulu, the ceremony’s Best Actress category has emerged as a nail-biter. Demi Moore (The Substance
) and Mikey Madison (Anora
) lead the pack, but the race remains fluid as voters weigh career-defining narratives against breakout potential. With Oscars night inching closer, predictions are heating up and the stakes have never been higher.
Demi Moore’s awards sweep clashes with Mikey Madison, but will the Oscars crown a veteran or a newcomer?
Demi Moore’s golden momentum vs. Mikey Madison’s dark horse bid
Demi Moore holds a commanding advantage heading into Oscars night. Her transformative role in The Substance,
earned her Golden Globe, SAG, and Critics Choice wins, cementing her as the season’s most consistent frontrunner. At 62, her narrative of Hollywood redemption resonates deeply with voters, who often reward perseverance and legacy. Mikey Madison, meanwhile, stunned awards watchers with a BAFTA win for Anora.
While Madison’s performance is undeniably magnetic, her lack of major precursor wins outside the BAFTA makes her a risky bet against Moore’s near-flawless track record.
The category also features standout performances from fellow nominees. Cynthia Erivo dazzled as Elphaba in the musical adaptation Wicked
, while Karla Sofía Gascón made history as the first openly trans Best Actress nominee for her role in Emilia Pérez
. Fernanda Torres delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the intimate drama I’m Still Here
. While Moore and Madison dominate predictions, these nominations highlight the depth and diversity of this year’s Best Actress race.
Read More: Oscars 2025 Prediction: Here’s Why Ariana Grande’s Best Supporting Actress Nod Deserves The Gold
Beyond the Best Actress showdown, Emilia Pérez
’s record-breaking nominations ignite debates about art versus popularity.
Emilia Pérez’s historic nominations
Netflix’s Emilia Pérez
shattered Oscar records with 13 nominations, the most for any film this year and the highest ever for a non-English language production. The French-Mexican crime musical, centered on a cartel leader who transitions to evade law enforcement, earned nods for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Karla Sofía Gascón made history as the first openly trans actor nominated in an acting category (Best Actress), while Zoe Saldaña scored a Supporting Actress nomination.
Fans criticized Netflix for prioritizing Emilia P
over crowd-pleasing contenders, accusing the streamer of pushing Oscar bait at the expense of mainstream appeal. The movie’s polarizing themes and unconventional structure divided audiences, yet its 13 nominations, contributing to Netflix’s total haul of 18 highlight the Academy’s growing appetite for bold, boundary-pushing storytelling.
Who is your Best Actress pick? Demi Moore, Mikey Madison, or a surprise winner? Join the conversation below!
