Top 10 Coolest Things About Emma Stone

As a critic, I’ve been consistently impressed by Emma Stone. She hasn’t just taken roles; she’s built a career on smart choices and challenging herself. Whether it’s a small indie film, a blockbuster franchise, or a daring TV project, she’s always looking for roles that push her creatively – think live singing, demanding physical work, and seamlessly switching between funny and intensely dramatic. Plus, she’s expanding her influence behind the camera as a producer, championing the kinds of unique stories we all love to find. Here are ten of her best moments on film and TV that really showcase why she’s such a captivating and talked-about performer.

‘Poor Things’ (2023) – star and producer on a bold literary adaptation

Emma Stone teamed up once again with director Yorgos Lanthimos for this film, also serving as a producer. To portray her character, Bella Baxter, and show her growth, Stone worked with movement specialists on her posture, walk, and gestures. The movie required incredibly detailed sets and makeup, often taking a long time to prepare, and Stone carried these scenes with complex, dialogue-rich performances. Her work was widely celebrated, culminating in an Academy Award for Best Actress, proving that her bold choices paid off.

‘La La Land’ (2016) – live vocals and long-take musical numbers

For his musical film, Damien Chazelle had Emma Stone record important vocal parts while actually filming, most notably during the emotional ‘Audition’ scene, which was shot in one continuous take. Stone worked incredibly hard to master singing, dancing, and acting all at once, refusing to compromise on any of them. The filmmakers prepared like they did in old Hollywood musicals, focusing on getting the cast to perform together seamlessly before filming began. Stone’s performance alongside Ryan Gosling set a new standard for modern movie musicals and won her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

‘The Favourite’ (2018) – first Lanthimos collaboration and a pivotal pivot to dark comedy

Emma Stone’s work as Abigail marked the start of a successful creative partnership with director Yorgos Lanthimos. The film used natural lighting and wide-angle shots, allowing the actors to explore nuance and timing. Stone skillfully balanced comedy and drama within the film’s sharp writing and complex dynamics. This performance earned her an Oscar nomination and led to opportunities for more challenging roles with Lanthimos.

‘Birdman’ (2014) – navigating the continuous-shot illusion

Alejandro G. Iñárritu filmed his movie to look like a single, unbroken shot, which required the actors to be perfectly positioned and rehearse extensively, hitting their marks with precise timing. Emma Stone’s performance as Sam frequently involved sudden shifts in emotion, all captured in these long takes without the safety net of multiple camera angles to correct errors. Filming on location in actual Broadway theaters also created significant logistical challenges, from navigating backstage areas to setting up scenes on rooftops. Stone received an Oscar nomination for her supporting role, and the film ultimately won Best Picture.

‘Cruella’ (2021) – performance meets couture-driven worldbuilding

Emma Stone starred as the lead, collaborating closely with costume designer Jenny Beavan on a detailed and striking wardrobe. The character’s journey is shown not just through what she says, but also through her changing look – her clothes, makeup, and hair – which required everyone on set to work together perfectly. The film featured big costume reveals and exciting action sequences that needed precise timing and physical skill. Stone also helped produce the film, guiding a story that mixes humor, adventure, and in-depth character development.

‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ (2012–2014) – a grounded Gwen Stacy in a major franchise

Stone’s portrayal of Gwen Stacy is of a smart, capable student who actively influences the story, rather than simply being a part of the action. She skillfully navigated complex sets and special effects, blending emotional moments with physically demanding stunts. Her chemistry with Andrew Garfield grounded the exciting action sequences in genuine character motivations and feelings. Their story, told over two films, is still remembered as a great example of how a supporting character can significantly impact a superhero movie’s overall narrative.

‘Easy A’ (2010) – a breakout lead powered by sharp, rapid-fire dialogue

This teen comedy, a playful take on ‘The Scarlet Letter,’ really highlighted Emma Stone’s talent for comedic timing, directly addressing the audience, and delivering sarcasm with nuance. She skillfully navigated scenes with lots of fast-paced dialogue, proving her control and precision as a comedic actress. The performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination and cemented her status as a reliable lead actress capable of drawing audiences to studio comedies.

‘Zombieland’ (2009–2019) – ensemble survival comedy with a long-tail sequel

In Wichita, Stone performed as part of a team that skillfully mixed exciting action with funny conversations. The movie created a detailed world with its own rules, demanding a quick change in mood from tense moments to comedic relief. When she returned for ‘Zombieland: Double Tap’ years later, she helped the original cast find their chemistry again, while also bringing fresh energy to the group. These two films demonstrate her ability to consistently deliver engaging and enjoyable genre stories.

‘Kinds of Kindness’ (2024) – multi-role work in an anthology structure

Emma Stone worked with director Yorgos Lanthimos again on a film made up of separate stories, where actors play different characters in each one. This requires them to completely change their appearance, voice, and emotional approach for every segment. Stone’s performances connect the film’s complex ethical questions, but she doesn’t rely on a traditional character journey. It really shows her willingness to take on challenging and creatively unique projects that demand a lot from the actors.

‘The Curse’ (2023–2024) – executive producer and co-lead in a genre-bending series

I’m such a fan of Sarah Stone’s work! She was amazing alongside Nathan Fielder in this show – it’s hard to even describe, honestly. It’s funny, but in a really awkward way, and there’s this surprising amount of emotional depth too. As a producer with Fruit Tree, she really helped shape the show’s unique style – those long, unbroken scenes and the way things are left unsaid are so effective. It feels incredibly real, like you’re watching something unfold naturally because they filmed on location and captured genuine reactions. It’s exciting to see her doing more TV, and it’s exactly the kind of bold, creative work I’ve come to expect from her films.

Share your favorite Emma Stone moments—and what you think belongs on this list—in the comments!

2025-10-31 05:18