An Oscar Best Picture nominee, The Substance explores the chilling effects of ageism within the context of a fictional “youth serum.” The film centers around Elisabeth Sparkle (played by Demi Moore), a former fitness icon whose career crumbles as she ages. Desperate to maintain her youthful image, she becomes obsessed with the serum, leading to a horrifying descent into self-destruction. The film graphically depicts the physical and psychological toll of aging in a society obsessed with youth, highlighting the desperation and anxiety many women experience as they confront the inevitable passage of time.
The Substance uses “body horror” to powerfully illustrate the societal pressures placed on women to remain eternally youthful. Elisabeth’s pursuit of the serum becomes a grotesque metaphor for the lengths women are often expected to go to maintain their appearance and value in a youth-obsessed culture. The film critiques the beauty industry’s relentless exploitation of women’s insecurities and the damaging effects of these unrealistic standards on self-esteem and mental health. Read more.
Demi Moore, after winning her first acting award at the Golden Globes for The Substance, reflected on past criticisms, including being labeled a “popcorn actress,” which made her feel inadequate. She sees this win as a new beginning, embracing her current stage of life and rejecting ageism by celebrating her worth beyond societal measures. Read more.
In other news, eight out of 20 acting nominations went to actors over 50.
Notable Nominees:
- Adrien Brody (51), winner, Actor in a Leading Role, The Brutalist
- Colman Domingo (55), Actor in a Leading Role, Sing Sing
- Ralph Fiennes (62), Actor in a Leading Role, Conclave
- Karla Sofía Gascón (52), Actress in a Leading Role, Emilia Pérez
- Demi Moore (62), Actress in a Leading Role, The Substance
- Edward Norton (55), Actor in a Supporting Role, A Complete Unknown
- Guy Pearce (57), Actor in a Supporting Role, The Brutalist
- Isabella Rossellini (72), Actress in a Supporting Role, Conclave
- Fernanda Torres (59), Actress in a Leading Role, I’m Still Here
Among the best director nominees, those over 50 included:
- Jacques Audiard (72), Emilia Pérez
- Sean Baker (53), winner, Anora (also winner, film editing, and winner, writing (original screenplay))
- James Mangold (61), A Complete Unknown
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