Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley brought glamour and star power to the 15th annual Governors Awards in Los Angeles, celebrating their film’s remarkable success. The reunion comes as their horror-drama “The Substance” crosses the $50 million milestone at the worldwide box office, defying expectations for an independent genre film.
The star-studded evening at the Ray Dolby Ballroom saw Moore, 61, commanding attention in a sophisticated black dress with a cape-like design. The Hollywood veteran paired her elegant ensemble with Mary Jane heels and eye-catching diamond accessories. Her co-star Qualley, 30, chose an ethereal white gown featuring delicate diamond details, complemented by a sleek side ponytail and minimalist jewelry.
The actresses’ chemistry was evident as they posed together on the red carpet, mirroring the compelling dynamic they share in “The Substance.” French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat’s directorial vision has earned critical acclaim, particularly for its fresh take on the body horror genre.
Breaking New Ground In Horror
The film tells the story of Elisabeth Sparkle (Moore), a former Oscar winner whose career in television takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a mysterious youth-restoring drug. The substance enables her to inhabit a younger body (Qualley) for seven-day periods, but the transformations come at a horrifying cost.
Box office analysts are calling the film’s performance remarkable. With a modest budget of $17.5 million, “The Substance” has now earned:
- $16.3 million in the United States
- $35.23 million internationally
- Total worldwide earnings: $51.48 million
Even more impressive is the film’s staying power. In its ninth weekend, playing across 119 theaters, it brought in $137,000—outperforming bigger-budget competitors despite having fewer screening locations.
Rising Star: Margaret Qualley’s Journey
Qualley’s performance in “The Substance” adds to her growing list of acclaimed roles. The daughter of actress Andie MacDowell, Qualley began her career as a dancer before transitioning to modeling at age 16. Her breakthrough came with HBO’s “The Leftovers,” which was followed by notable performances in:
- “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019)
- Netflix’s “Maid” (2021)
- “Poor Things” (2023)
In August 2023, the actress married producer Jack Antonoff, which inspired her friend Lana Del Rey to write the song “Margaret” for her album.
A Return To Classic Horror
Film critics praise “The Substance” for reviving the body horror sub-genre popularized by directors like David Cronenberg. The movie won the Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival, with Moore’s physical transformations drawing particular acclaim as some of her finest work to date.
The film’s success comes at a crucial time for original horror movies, ranking as the seventh highest-grossing original film of the year. As the holiday movie season approaches with blockbusters like “Gladiator II” and “Moana 2” on the horizon, “The Substance” has already secured its place as one of the year’s most surprising success stories.
The reunion of Moore and Qualley at the Governors Awards not only celebrated their film’s achievements but also highlighted the enduring appeal of innovative storytelling in Hollywood. As “The Substance” continues its impressive theatrical run, it proves that original, thought-provoking horror can still captivate audiences worldwide.
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