“The last thing in the world my parents would want to do is get on a stage or do a movie. They would probably rather die. But they let me be who I was, and they supported me.”
The race for the Best Actress at the 96th Academy Awards was nothing short of intense. Emma Stone (Poor Things), Anette Bening (Nyad), Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon), Sandra Huller (Anatomy of a Fall), and Cary Mulligan (Maestro) all brought their A-game, making it a tough competition.
Stone’s name was called, signifying her win for Best Actress. At just 35 years old, this is her second career victory in the Best Actress category.
Emma Stone’s performance in ‘Poor Things’ was nothing short of awe-inspiring. In the Victorian era of London, she portrayed a woman with a childlike demeanor who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after a brain transplant. The film, set against a backdrop of steampunk aesthetics and infused with dark humor, was a collaborative effort that Stone was grateful to be a part of. As the 13th woman to win two Best Actress awards, she emphasized the collective endeavor in filmmaking.
Her initial win was for “La La Land” in 2017, and she garnered nominations for Supporting Actress in 2015 and 2019. Additionally, she received a nomination for Best Picture for producing “Poor Things” in the same year, following Frances McDormand’s example in 2021.
Unlocking Hollywood
Emma Stone was born to Krista and Jeff Stone on November 6, 1988, in Scottsdale, Arizona. She started acting at age eleven, with her first performance in a theater production called Wind in the Willows and various stage performances after. Eager to become an actress, she dropped out of school at age fifteen and convinced her parents to move to Los Angeles.
She soon started auditioning for roles, standing out for her raspy voice (which we all know and love today). She even dyed her childhood warm blond hair to a darker brown, hoping to stand out more and land more serious roles.
Stone’s career breakthrough came when she emerged as the victor of the VH1 reality competition In Search of the New Partridge Family in 2004. This contest featured eight aspiring young actors vying for the role of Laurie Partridge in a revival of the 1970s sitcom, with contestants evaluated on singing, acting, and resemblance to the original character.
Under her former name, Emily Stone, she captivated audiences with a rendition of Pat Benatar’s “We Belong” and clinched the coveted role. While the revival project never progressed beyond the pilot stage, it marked a pivotal moment in Stone’s journey, leading her to her future manager, Doug Wald.
Following her stint in reality TV, Stone transitioned to guest appearances on popular shows like Malcolm in the Middle and Medium. She secured a regular role as 17-year-old Violet Trimble in the drama Drive, which unfortunately concluded after just one season in 2007. During this period, she also auditioned for a part in the acclaimed science-fiction series Heroes, ultimately losing out to Hayden Panettiere.
From Film Debut to Academy Glory:
In her 2007 movie debut, Superbad, Stone starred alongside Jonah Hill and Michael Cera. The film hit the box office and received strong critical reviews. From 2007 to 2009, Stone was featured on the big screen in several hits, ranging from Ghost of Girlfriends to Zombieland.
She finally landed her solo role in a 2010 teen comedy, “Easy A”. Emma Stone quickly established herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and talented actresses. But beyond the glitz and glamour of the silver screen, Stone’s personal life has also been a source of fascination for fans and media alike.
Stone’s rise to fame began with her Golden Globe-nominated performance in “Easy A,” where she breathed life into the modern-day retelling of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter.” Her portrayal of Olive Penderghast showcased her comedic timing and charm, setting the stage for a career filled with memorable performances.
In 2011, Stone captivated audiences once again with her role as Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan in “The Help,” a film adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s bestselling novel. Her portrayal of the aspiring writer navigating racial tensions in 1960s Mississippi earned her critical acclaim and another Golden Globe nomination.
Continuing her winning streak, Stone charmed America’s audiences in romantic comedies like “Crazy, Stupid, Love” and captivated superhero fans such as Gwen Stacy in “The Amazing Spider-Man” series alongside Andrew Garfield.
In 2014, Stone received her first Oscar nomination for her role in “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance),” where she portrayed a young troubled woman struggling with addiction. Her performance garnered praise from critics and further cemented her reputation as one of Hollywood’s brightest talents.
Stone’s career reached new heights in 2016 with her starring role in the musical masterpiece “La La Land.” Her portrayal of Mia Dolan, an aspiring actress chasing her dreams in Los Angeles, earned her a Golden Globe and her first Academy Award for Best Actress. The film’s success not only showcased Stone’s exceptional acting and singing abilities but also reaffirmed her status as a Hollywood powerhouse.
As Stone continues to captivate audiences with her talent and grace, both on and off the screen, her legacy as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars only continues to grow. With a string of critically acclaimed performances and a personal life filled with love and happiness, Emma Stone remains an inspiration to fans around the world.
