Kathy Bates gushes over Demi Moore after actress’ awards nomination for ‘The Substance’

Kathy Bates is all praise for Demi Moore.

The Hollywood star is showed support for Moore this awards season as the actress garnered critical acclaim for her role in The Substance.

Following their respective wins at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards on Feb. 7, Bates, 76, spoke about the growing recognition of horror films at the Academy Awards.

Moore’s latest film, The Substance, has earned five Oscar nominations, including Best Actress for her performance.

"I always felt it's the performance you can't really substitute. It's the work that always speaks for itself," Bates said backstage after winning a Critics Choice Award for her role in Matlock.

The actress, who won an Oscar in 1991 for her chilling performance in Misery, shared her thoughts on Moore’s recent success.

"I did see [The Substance], I think it's great. I never thought of Demi as a popcorn actress ever," she said, referencing Moore’s recent revelation that a Hollywood producer once labeled her as such.

Recognizing Moore’s career and her impressive performance in The Substance, Bates added, "She's Demi. She's done amazing work and I love seeing her being recognized for this.

And as she said, it's an absolute bonkers movie, but so true. And I just think when you make a real human being, no matter what the genre is, you make a real human being people can relate to then I think you're in."

Moore has emerged as a strong candidate for the Best Actress award at the upcoming 97th Academy Awards on March 2, having already secured wins at both the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.

She will compete against Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez), Mikey Madison (Anora), and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here).