Ashton Kutcher Breaks Silence on Demi Moore’s Oscar-Nominated Role in The Substance

 Ashton Kutcher Breaks Silence on Demi Moore’s Oscar-Nominated Role in The Substance

Ashton Kutcher has made a rare and thoughtful public statement about his ex-wife Demi Moore, drawing attention across entertainment news platforms. In a recent interview, the actor spoke candidly about Moore’s performance in The Substance, a film that earned her the first Academy Award nomination of her long and celebrated career.

Despite their highly publicized past and eventual divorce, Kutcher’s comments revealed a tone of admiration and respect, reminding fans that Hollywood relationships can evolve into mutual regard long after they end.

Ashton Kutcher Praises Demi Moore’s Performance

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight on January 14, 2026, Kutcher acknowledged Moore’s critically acclaimed role in Coralie Fargeat’s 2024 psychological horror film The Substance. Speaking about her performance, Kutcher stated that Moore “killed it” and emphasized how proud he was of her achievements.

Moore portrayed Elisabeth Sparkle, a once-famous actress who turns to a mysterious serum in hopes of reclaiming youth and relevance. The film’s intense themes of beauty, identity, and transformation resonated with critics and audiences alike, ultimately earning Moore her first-ever Oscar nomination. Though she did not take home the award—losing to Mikey Madison for Anora—her nomination marked a significant milestone in her career.

Kutcher’s acknowledgment was notable not only because of their past relationship but also because he rarely discusses his former marriage publicly.

A Look Back at Kutcher and Moore’s Relationship

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore were married for six years before their divorce in 2011. Their relationship was widely followed due to their age difference and high-profile status. Before marrying Kutcher, Moore was previously married to actor Bruce Willis, with whom she shares three daughters.

Since the split, both actors have moved on personally and professionally. Kutcher married his That ’70s Show co-star Mila Kunis in 2015, and the couple now share two children. Moore, meanwhile, has continued to take on bold and challenging roles, with The Substance becoming one of the most talked-about performances of her career.

Parallels Between The Substance and Kutcher’s New Show The Beauty

Interestingly, Kutcher’s latest project also explores themes similar to those presented in Moore’s film. His upcoming FX series The Beauty, created by Ryan Murphy, delves into cosmetic enhancement, body modification, and the consequences of pursuing perfection.

In the series, Kutcher portrays a tech billionaire whose company develops a revolutionary drug with unexpected and dangerous outcomes. When discussing the concept, he reflected on how society’s relationship with cosmetic procedures has changed over time.

He explained that cosmetic enhancement has become increasingly accepted, shifting from being judged socially to being viewed as a personal choice tied to individual happiness. However, Kutcher also emphasized that these transformations often come with “unintended consequences,” a message that mirrors the darker themes explored in The Substance.

Kutcher on Insecurity and Beauty Standards

Kutcher also opened up about the psychological side of beauty culture, offering insight shaped by his own experiences in modeling and acting. He admitted that even those considered conventionally attractive struggle with insecurities.

According to Kutcher, spending enough time in front of the mirror can make anyone focus on perceived flaws. His reflections highlight why stories like The Substance and The Beauty resonate so strongly in today’s entertainment landscape—they tap into universal concerns about appearance, identity, and self-worth.

Why Demi Moore’s Oscar Nomination Matters

Demi Moore’s nomination for The Substance represents more than just awards recognition. It symbolizes a career renaissance for an actress who has spent decades in Hollywood, navigating changing trends and expectations for women in film.

The role required emotional vulnerability and physical intensity, pushing Moore into darker, more experimental territory than many of her earlier blockbuster projects. Critics praised her ability to embody a character confronting both internal fears and external pressures, cementing the film’s place as one of the most discussed releases of the year.

Kutcher’s Return to Acting

The Beauty also marks Kutcher’s first acting role since 2023’s Your Place or Mine. In interviews, he revealed that he had not been actively seeking a new role, citing his responsibilities as a father and his work running an investment firm.

However, a conversation with Ryan Murphy changed his mind. Kutcher expressed deep admiration for Murphy’s storytelling and said he was immediately drawn to the show’s social relevance and provocative themes. Discussions around weight-loss drugs, cosmetic culture, and modern beauty standards further convinced him that the project was worth pursuing.

Industry Impact and Audience Interest

Both The Substance and The Beauty tap into a growing cultural conversation about appearance, aging, and the lengths people go to in order to meet societal expectations. Kutcher’s comments about Moore, paired with his own involvement in a thematically similar project, have fueled renewed interest in both productions.

With The Beauty set to premiere on FX on January 21, anticipation continues to build among fans eager to see Kutcher’s return to television. Meanwhile, Moore’s Oscar-nominated performance has already secured its place in recent cinematic history.

Final Thoughts

Ashton Kutcher’s rare public praise of Demi Moore offers a mature and thoughtful perspective on past relationships in Hollywood. More importantly, it highlights the enduring respect between two actors whose careers continue to evolve in powerful ways.

With Moore’s critically acclaimed role in The Substance and Kutcher’s upcoming series The Beauty, both stars remain at the forefront of conversations about art, identity, and modern beauty culture—proving that meaningful storytelling can emerge from even the most personal and complex experiences.