1. Home
2. Culture
3. Power to Women Embracing Their Timeless Strength at the Oscars and César Awards

This year’s Oscars and César Awards went beyond ceremonies and celebrated women’s unwavering strength, resilience and artistry. From Demi Moore’s long-overdue recognition to Zoe Saldaña’s historic win and Nicole Kidman’s emotional tribute, actresses delivered speeches that resonated far beyond the stage. They revealed their deepest truths, showing that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a force. Through their words, they embodied the timeless power of women in cinema.

This year, women took center stage at the Oscars and César Awards, their speeches carried more than just gratitude—they embodied resilience, empowerment and authenticity. Beyond talent and dazzling gowns, they unveiled the deepest parts of themselves, embracing vulnerability as a source of strength. Through their words, they reminded the world that true artistry is not just about performance, but about daring to be unapologetically human.

Demi Moore’s career was finally recognized, after decades in the industry, in a way she never imagined. She won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, the BAFTA Award for Best Actress, the Critics' Choice Award and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Moore delivered a speech that resonated with every artist who had ever doubted their place. She recounted how she had once been dismissed as a “popcorn actress,” believing she was unworthy of such recognition. But The Substance changed everything, proving that time and resilience can redefine one’s journey. Her words were a celebration of perseverance and self-acceptance:

“I am just in shock right now. I’ve been doing this the whole time, over 45 years, and this is the first time I’ve ever won anything as an actor. And I’m just so humbled and so grateful. Thirty years ago, I had a producer tell me that I was a popcorn actress. At that time, I made that mean that this (the Oscar) was not something that I was allowed to have. I could do movies that were successful, that made a lot of money, but I couldn’t be acknowledged. And I bought in, and I believed that. That corroded me over the time to the point I thought a few years ago that maybe this was it, maybe I was complete, maybe I’ve done what I’m supposed to do. As I was at that kind of low point, I had this bold, courageous, out-of-the-box, absolutely bonkers script come across my desk, called The Substance, and the universe told me that you’re not done. I am so grateful for Coralie for trusting me to step in and play this woman, […], especially the people who believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. […] In those moments, when we don’t think we’re smart enough or pretty enough, or skinny enough, or successful enough or basically just not enough, […] and so today, I celebrate this as a marker of my wholeness, and of the love that is driving me, and of the gift of doing something I love and being reminded that I do belong.”

Another powerful moment came with Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Pérez. With deep emotion, she dedicated her victory to her family, her Dominican roots and the future generations who would follow in her footsteps. Her words were a testament to the power of representation, proving that cultural heritage and identity are not barriers, but strengths to be celebrated. She painted a portrait of love, resilience and pride:

“Mommy! To my mom, my dad and my sisters Mariel and Cisely, everything brave, outrageous and good that I’ve ever done in my life is because of you, thank you so much. And to my husband with that beautiful hair, the biggest honor in my life is being your partner. You hung the moon and our beautiful perfect sons Cy, Bowie and Zen, they fill our skies. I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hardworking hands. I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last. The fact that I am getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish—my grandmother, if she were here, would be delighted. This is for my grandmother, Argentina Cesse. Thank you so much, muchas gracias.”

Meanwhile, in France, Adèle Exarchopoulos was nominated for the Best Actress César for L’Amour Ouf, but the honor went to Hafsia Herzi for her gripping performance in Borgo. The French film industry celebrated talent and the stories of women navigating complex, deeply human experiences.

Across the Atlantic, Mikey Madison took home the Oscar for Best Actress for her lead role in Anora. Her speech was a reminder that even those who grow up surrounded by the film industry can feel worlds apart from it. Her awe at standing among Hollywood’s greatest spoke to the dreams of countless aspiring actresses:

“Thank you so much to the Academy. I grew up in Los Angeles, but Hollywood always seemed so far away from me. To be here, standing in this room today, is really incredible.”

Julia Roberts received an Honorary César Award for her remarkable contribution to cinema. A timeless icon, she was celebrated not only for her career longevity, but for the depth and humanity she brings to every role.

Nicole Kidman, while accepting the Palm Springs International Film Festival Award for Babygirl, dedicated her win to her late mother. Overcome with emotion, she highlighted the impact of love, loss and the personal strength that fuels her career:

“Love is the center of my life. I am incredibly grateful to be standing here, but it’s true, I had good love growing up. I’m in that place now, I went home over Christmas, and I’ve lost both my parents. This is different now, but they’ve given me the resilience, they’ve given me the love and they’ve given me the strength to keep moving forward. I am still grieving my mom, and I couldn’t get to do that at the Venice Film Festival because I arrived in Venice, and she was gone, but now that I’m back on stage, I want to dedicate the Award to my mom. My whole career has been for my mom and my dad. They’re not here now, but I still want to keep working and giving to the world because I love what I do and I love you all.”

Through triumphs, reflections and heartfelt tributes, these women revealed that their power lies not just in their talent, but in their authenticity. Their victories were more than trophies—they were milestones of resilience, representation and artistic depth. Their ability to bring raw emotion to the screen mirrors the profound honesty they share in real life.

From Demi Moore’s hard-earned validation to Zoe Saldaña’s proud cultural homage and Nicole Kidman’s emotional tribute, this year’s awards season was about recognition and rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a woman in film. Beyond the glamour, these actresses stood as symbols of perseverance, proving that success is not just measured by wins, but by the impact their stories leave behind. Women’s talent is timeless, their voices unshakable and their power undeniable.