In a mesmerizing showdown that captivated Hollywood, Emma Stone clinched her second best actress Oscar for her captivating performance in “Poor Things,” enchanting audiences worldwide. The competition, fiercely contested and shrouded in suspense until the final moments, witnessed Stone triumph over Lily Gladstone from “Killers of the Flower Moon,” narrowly missing the opportunity to become the first Native American to clinch the esteemed award.
The moment of triumph overflowed with emotion as last year’s winner, Michelle Yeoh, announced Stone’s name, leading to an embrace filled with joy with her husband, Dave McCary. Stone’s elation was palpable as she shared heartfelt hugs with co-star Mark Ruffalo and director Yorgos Lanthimos, showcasing the camaraderie and solidarity within the film industry.
“I think I blacked out,” confessed Stone backstage, still processing the sheer surprise of her victory. “Yes, I was very shocked. I still feel like I’m spinning a little bit.”
Stone’s humility and gratitude extended to each of the five previous best actress winners, whom she embraced with genuine warmth, underscoring her deep respect for her peers.
Her portrayal of Bella Baxter, a whimsical character navigating a surreal journey through Victorian London after a brain transplant, mesmerized audiences with its unique blend of dark humor and steampunk aesthetics in “Poor Things.” Stone humbly acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the film’s success, emphasizing the collective journey of filmmaking.
“It’s not about me. It’s about a team that came together to create something greater than the sum of its parts, and that is the beauty of making movies,” expressed Stone on stage. “I am deeply honored to share this with every cast member and crew member. Yorgos, thank you for the gift of a lifetime in Bella Baxter.”
Despite a minor wardrobe mishap on stage, swiftly rectified backstage, Stone’s grace and poise remained undiminished. Reflecting on her performance during the musical number, she candidly admitted, “I genuinely do think I faltered during ‘I’m Just Ken.’ I was so mesmerized by Ryan, and that number just blew my mind.”
With this triumph, Stone joins the prestigious ranks of the 13 women who have secured two best actress Oscars, her first being in 2017 for her role in the romantic musical “La La Land.” Additionally, she earned nominations for best supporting actress in 2015 and 2019, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents.
Stone’s creative prowess extends beyond acting, as evidenced by her nomination this year in the best picture category for producing “Poor Things,” although the award ultimately went to “Oppenheimer.” Following in the footsteps of Frances McDormand, she becomes the second woman to receive nominations for both acting and best picture for the same film, after McDormand’s dual win for “Nomadland” in 2021.
In the lead-up to the Oscars, Stone and Gladstone engaged in a thrilling back-and-forth, with Stone clinching victories at the BAFTA Film Awards and the Golden Globes, while Gladstone triumphed at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and a separate category at the Globes.
Stone’s journey to stardom commenced with her breakout role in the 2010 teen comedy “Easy A.” Since then, the 35-year-old actor from Scottsdale, Arizona, has captivated audiences with unforgettable performances in “The Help,” multiple “Spider-Man” movies, “Birdman,” “The Battle of the Sexes,” and “The Favourite.”
Completing the roster of best actress nominees were Annette Bening for “Nyad,” Sandra Hüller for “Anatomy of a Fall,” and Carey Mulligan for “Maestro.” Each actor brought their own unique flair to the table, but it was Stone who emerged victorious, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood’s grandest stage once again.
