She plays Elisabeth Sparkle, a former movie star who hosts a popular fitness show.
Here, Moore reacts the news of her nomination, alongside nods for her co-star Qualley and director.
DEADLINE:You must be thrilled.
The Substance, Demi MooreMUBI / Courtesy Everett Collection
Whats your reaction to the nomination this morning?
I would say its been hard earned, obviously, if youve seen the film.
DEADLINE:I have.
MOORE:Its just wonderful.
DEADLINE:When you first got the script, did you foresee anything like this happening?
What were your first expectations for the film?
MOORE:My only expectation, really, was just the exploration of the emotional subject matter.
It was really asking a lot and going to places that were so extreme.
And for me, thats what my hope always is.
And this moment is really just a lovely little uplift in that process, a real joyous celebration.
DEADLINE:Was that the first time you had a film in competition at Cannes?
How many films have you had in Cannes beforeThe Substance?
MOORE:Thats the only one!
DEADLINE:Were you surprised by the reaction it had there?
What reactions have you had personally, particularly in public screenings?
MOORE:This is a film thats brought people into the cinema who really wanted that communal experience.
Even down on a more personal, one-on-one level, people come up to me.
I think if I had any expectation for the film, it wouldve been that.
DEADLINE:What has it done for you personally?
Has made you more willing to take risks?
If youd seen this film with another actress in it, what would you have felt?
MOORE:Well, I dont know.
I dont know because it wasnt someone else!
And so this really was the opportunity that I had been waiting for.
And, more importantly, it reminded me how much I love what I do.
DEADLINE:What impressed you about Coralie as a director?
Even just the script alone, what she presented.
DEADLINE:What are you going to do next?
MOORE:Well, maybe Im going to get a little sleep.
No, you know what?
Moore posted video of her immediate reaction to the nominations on Instagram.
you could watch it below.
