Despite having spent decades in the limelight as one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, Demi Moore was completely taken aback when she found herself on stage accepting a Golden Globe.

At 62, Moore, who made her television debut in 1978 and starred in her first film by 1981, expressed her disbelief when her name was announced on Sunday night. “I truly wasn’t expecting this,” she admitted at the microphone, still in shock.

In her heartfelt speech, she reflected, “I’ve been in this industry for over 45 years, and this is the first time I’ve ever received an award for acting. I feel so humbled and grateful.”

Moore’s illustrious career, featuring films such as “Margin Call,” “Striptease,” and “Charlie’s Angels,” had led her to believe that winning a major acting award was out of reach. She recalled a producer telling her 30 years ago that she was “a popcorn actress,” a comment that, at the time, led her to think she would never receive recognition.

She admitted that internalizing that remark “corroded” her self-esteem as an artist and made her believe her time on the big screen was winding down.

However, when she received an extraordinary script titled “The Substance,” she felt the universe signaling that her journey was far from over. In this body horror film, she portrays Elisabeth Sparkle, a celebrity who takes drastic measures to reclaim her youth after being dismissed due to her age. The film has garnered critical acclaim, with particular praise for Moore’s performance.

“This award symbolizes my completeness and the love that fuels me,” she stated, adding that it serves as a reminder that she truly belongs in her craft.

Moore wasn’t alone in her struggles; Nicole Kidman, also present, had been told early in her career that her height would hinder her success. Reflecting on her journey, Kidman shared, “I was told, ‘You’re too tall to have a career.’ I recall auditioning for ‘Annie’ and being mortified when they measured me.”

Her experience of facing rejection taught her resilience, which she described as her “superpower.” She shared valuable advice for her daughters: “What really matters is how you allow others to define your worth and how you respond to that.” This inner strength is her true asset, above all else.

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