Hollywood Stunned as Stone Takes Home Gold for “Poor Things”
It was a night of double takes and surprise victories at the 2024 Oscars! In a race so close pundits were left scratching their heads, Emma Stone emerged triumphant, taking home her second career Best Actress award for her role in the darkly comedic “Poor Things.” The win comes after a head-to-head battle with Lily Gladstone, who would have been the first Native American actress to win a competitive Oscar for her performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
Stone, visibly shocked as last year’s winner Michelle Yeoh announced her name, fumbled for words before embracing her husband, Dave McCary, and co-star Mark Ruffalo. “I think I blacked out,” she confessed backstage, still reeling from the unexpected win. “I’m so honored, but this is still sinking in.”
The emotional rollercoaster continued as Stone hugged each of the previous Best Actress winners who presented the nominees. Stone’s captivating performance as Bella Baxter, a childlike woman brought back to life through a brain transplant in Victorian London, clearly resonated with the Academy. The film itself, a quirky blend of black humor and steampunk visuals, offered a unique platform for Stone’s acting prowess.
A Speech Filled with Gratitude and a Wardrobe Mishap
Taking the stage, Stone shifted focus from herself to the collaborative spirit of filmmaking. “This isn’t about me,” she declared. “It’s about a team that came together to create something truly special. That’s the magic of movies, isn’t it?” Her heartfelt speech continued with thanks to every cast and crew member involved, with a special shoutout to director Yorgos Lanthimos for “the gift of a lifetime” in the role of Bella Baxter.
Adding a touch of lightheartedness to the evening, Stone revealed a wardrobe malfunction as she accepted the award. Pointing to the back of her dress, she informed the audience with a laugh, “it’s broken!” Thankfully, by the time she reached the press room, the dress had been expertly repaired.
“They sewed me back together, just in time,” she joked. Then, with a playful jab at herself, she admitted, “I genuinely think I messed up during Ryan Gosling’s song,” referring to the actor’s performance of the nominated song “I’m Just Ken.” Stone continued, “He absolutely blew me away. That number was incredible.”
Stone Makes History (Again!)
With this win, Stone joins the elite company of actresses who have secured two Best Actress Oscars. Notably, her first win came in 2017 for the critically acclaimed musical “La La Land.” This isn’t the only historic achievement Stone secured this year. She was also nominated for Best Picture for producing “Poor Things,” although the award ultimately went to “Oppenheimer.” This places her as only the second woman ever to be nominated for both acting and Best Picture for the same film, following Frances McDormand’s double win for “Nomadland” in 2021.
The Road to the Oscars: A Tale of Two Talents
The journey to Oscar night was a thrilling one for both Stone and Gladstone. Stone secured wins at the BAFTA Film Awards and the Golden Globes, while Gladstone triumphed at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and a different category at the Globes. This back-and-forth competition kept fans and industry insiders on the edge of their seats, unsure who would ultimately take home the gold.
From Teen Comedy to Award-Winning Powerhouse
Stone’s path to Hollywood royalty began in 2010 with her breakout role in the teen comedy “Easy A.” The 35-year-old Arizona native has since carved out a remarkable career, starring in major films like “The Help,” the “Spider-Man” franchise, “Birdman,” “The Battle of the Sexes,” and “The Favourite.”
While Stone ultimately emerged victorious this year, the night also belonged to Lily Gladstone. Her powerful performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon” undoubtedly made a significant impact, paving the way for future recognition and hopefully breaking barriers for Native American representation in Hollywood. The 2024 Oscars will surely be remembered as a night of unexpected triumphs, emotional moments, and a celebration of phenomenal acting talent.
