Emma Stone, the Arizona-born actress, has risen to become a Hollywood heavyweight in just over a decade. From her early days as a high school actress to her double Oscar-winning status, Stone has consistently delivered performances that captivate and inspire. As her latest film, “Bugonia,” heads to the Venice Film Festival, it’s an opportune moment to look back at some of her most memorable roles.
Early Breakthrough: Superbad (2007)
At just 18 years old, Emma Stone made a significant impact in Greg Mottola’s raunchy buddy comedy, “Superbad.” Playing Jules, the sharp-witted love interest of Jonah Hill’s character, Stone showcased her comedic timing and charisma. Her performance was so memorable that it established her as an actress to watch.
Rising Star: Easy A (2010)
Will Gluck’s “Easy A” was a turning point for Stone. Inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter,” the film saw Stone playing Olive Penderghast, a character who navigates high school with wit and humor. Stone’s portrayal of Olive was both zany and triumphant, making her a household name.
Romantic Chemistry: Crazy Stupid Love (2011)
Stone’s first collaboration with Ryan Gosling in “Crazy Stupid Love” highlighted their undeniable on-screen chemistry. Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the film is a heartwarming romantic comedy that showcases Stone’s ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotion.
Blockbuster Appeal: The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Opposite Andrew Garfield in Marc Webb’s “The Amazing Spider-Man,” Stone played Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker’s first love. Her portrayal was both intelligent and charming, revitalizing the franchise with her snarky wit. She reprised the role in “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” two years later.
Critical Acclaim: Birdman (2014)
Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s “Birdman” earned Stone her first Oscar nomination. Playing Sam, the troubled daughter of Michael Keaton’s character, Stone delivered a powerful performance. Her monologue about her father’s irrelevance is a testament to her ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety.
Musical Magic: La La Land (2016)
Damien Chazelle’s “La La Land” showcased Stone’s versatility as an actress and dancer. Playing Mia, an aspiring actress, Stone’s performance was enchanting and heartfelt. Her tap dances and waltzes with Ryan Gosling were masterfully executed, earning her the Best Actress Oscar.
Historical Triumph: Battle of the Sexes (2017)
In “Battle of the Sexes,” Stone transformed into tennis legend Billie Jean King. Directed by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton, the film reimagines King’s 1973 match against Bobby Riggs. Stone’s dynamic performance on and off the court highlights her ability to embody iconic figures.
Period Drama: The Favourite (2018)
Yorgos Lanthimos’s “The Favourite” saw Stone in a gloriously twisted period drama. Playing Abigail Hill, Stone’s performance was a thrilling mix of naivety and cunning. Her rise to power through scheming and favoritism was both angelic and cruel, earning her another Oscar nomination.
Villainous Charisma: Cruella (2021)
In Craig Gillespie’s “Cruella,” Stone took on the iconic role of Cruella de Vil. Her portrayal of the scrappy, punk rock underdog was both terrifying and captivating. Stone’s commitment to the role, complete with monochromatic hair and a blood-red lip, made her performance unforgettable.
Absurdist Satire: The Curse (2023)
Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie’s “The Curse” showcased Stone’s ability to handle complex and thorny roles. Playing Whitney Siegel, a property developer with ulterior motives, Stone’s performance was both mesmerizing and unsettling. Her work in this film demonstrated her continued growth as an actress.
Career Highlight: Poor Things (2023)
Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Poor Things” is a surreal coming-of-age epic that solidified Stone’s status as a leading actress. Playing Bella Baxter, Stone’s performance was mind-bogglingly detailed and wonderfully physical. Her fearless approach to the role earned her her second Best Actress Oscar.
Emma Stone’s journey from a high school actress to a double Oscar winner is a testament to her talent and versatility. Each of her roles, from the comedic to the dramatic, showcases her ability to captivate audiences. As she continues to push boundaries with her performances, Stone remains a shining star in Hollywood.