Less than fifteen years ago, it was difficult to imagine that Emma Stone would ascend to become one of Hollywood’s leading actresses. At that time, she was recognized as a young talent from Arizona, adept at portraying witty characters. Today, Emma Stone is a two-time Academy Award winner among the actresses of her generation. Her first statuette was awarded for her role in “La La Land.” The second was for her remarkable performance in “Poor Things.” However, looking back at her earlier roles, it becomes evident that all the qualities we admire in her today were present from the very beginning of her career. She has consistently displayed a vibrant physicality, precise comedic timing, and a boldness essential for tackling significant roles. In this feature, we reminisce about the most memorable films in the actress’s filmography.
“Superbad,” 2007
Emma Stone and Jonah Hill in “Superbad,” 2007
Advertisement.
Emma Stone made a significant impression at the age of 18. In Greg Mottola’s candid teen comedy, she portrayed Jules, a sharp-tongued, darkly witty girl who captures the affection of Jonah Hill’s character. Jules quickly demonstrates that she is neither his intellectual nor his character inferior. It was after “Superbad” that it became clear: this actress was one to watch.
“Easy A,” 2010
Emma Stone in “Easy A,” 2010
Her walk down the school hallway. The scene with simulated intimacy. The sequence where she sings “Pocketful of Sunshine” all weekend. All of these have long become iconic elements of pop culture. Will Gluck’s comedy, loosely inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel “The Scarlet Letter,” is a true masterclass in comedic performance. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role of Olive. She is quirky, awkward, funny, yet ultimately very strong. This film rightfully established Emma Stone as a star.
“Crazy, Stupid, Love,” 2011
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” 2011
This marked the first of several collaborations between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. In this romantic comedy by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, an immediate strong on-screen chemistry developed between them. Emma Stone plays a law school graduate, while Ryan Gosling portrays a confident flirtation expert. Their encounter sets off a chain of amusing events. And the scene referencing “Dirty Dancing” remains one of the most delightful reasons to rewatch this film.
“The Amazing Spider-Man,” 2012
Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield in “The Amazing Spider-Man,” 2012
In Marc Webb’s film, Emma Stone played Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker’s first love, portrayed by Andrew Garfield. Her Gwen is intelligent, brave, witty, and self-assured. It was thanks to Emma Stone that this character received more attention than romantic interests typically do in superhero films. Emma’s lightness, sarcasm, and natural charisma helped revitalize the franchise.
“Birdman,” 2014
Emma Stone in “Birdman,” 2014
For her role as Sam in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s black comedy, Emma Stone earned her first Oscar nomination. The film unfolds on Broadway. Sam is the daughter of Riggan Thomson, played by Michael Keaton. She is recovering from addiction and trying to avoid relapsing into her old life. One of the film’s most powerful moments is her monologue about her father no longer being relevant to the world around him. In a matter of seconds, anger on Emma Stone’s face transforms into pain and regret. This is one of those scenes that clearly showcases her talent.
“La La Land,” 2016
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in “La La Land,” 2016
In Damien Chazelle’s grand romantic musical, Emma Stone played Mia, an aspiring actress dreaming of a Hollywood career. Stone effortlessly performs tap and waltzes with Ryan Gosling, but the true strength of this role lies beyond the dancing and music. She precisely conveys Mia’s pain. Her career is not progressing. Her relationships are strained. And the dream that once seemed within reach gradually recedes. This is a nuanced, sincere, and deeply human performance. It was for this role that Emma Stone received the Oscar for Best Actress.
“Battle of the Sexes,” 2017
Emma Stone and Steve Carell in “Battle of the Sexes,” 2017
A dark bob, artificial tan, and gold-rimmed glasses. In Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton’s film, Emma Stone transforms into tennis legend Billie Jean King. The movie chronicles her historic 1973 match against Bobby Riggs, played by Steve Carell. Riggs, a former world number one and an outspoken chauvinist, faced King in a match that became a pivotal moment for women’s tennis. Emma Stone is convincing both on and off the court. She effectively portrays Billie Jean King’s strength in the game, but she equally adeptly handles scenes at press conferences, where her character must confront sexist remarks and constant attempts to diminish her significance.
“The Favourite,” 2018
Emma Stone in “The Favourite,” 2018
When Abigail Hill first appears at Queen Anne’s court, she seems naive, poor, and almost defenseless. Queen Anne, in Yorgos Lanthimos’s peculiar historical drama, is played by Olivia Colman. Her character is infantile, capricious, and emotionally unstable. Lady Marlborough is played by Rachel Weisz. She is sophisticated, authoritative, and well-versed in courtly dynamics. Against this backdrop, Abigail initially appears out of place. However, it quickly becomes apparent that she is capable of more. Witnessing her rise to power is a genuine pleasure. She schemes, manipulates, and leverages her proximity to the queen as a tool for influence. Emma Stone plays this character brilliantly. This role earned Emma Stone her third Oscar nomination.
“Cruella,” 2021
Emma Stone in “Cruella,” 2021
Black and white hair, red lipstick, and a dangerous glint in her eyes. In Craig Gillespie’s film, Emma Stone plays Cruella de Vil. This is the origin story of the infamous villainess. However, here, Cruella is not yet the glamorous and terrifying figure known to audiences. We are introduced to an orphan forced to survive. She becomes a grifter because she sees no other way to get ahead. Yet, her true passion is fashion. When a cold couturier, portrayed by Emma Thompson, gives her an opportunity, the character gradually realizes this woman is connected to her past. Emma Stone fully commits to this role. She portrays Cruella as a person in whom pain, talent, malice, and the desire to be seen coalesce into a single persona.
“The Curse,” 2023
Emma Stone in “The Curse,” 2023
In the humorous, absurd, and deeply uncomfortable satire by Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie, Emma Stone plays Whitney Siegel. Her character is a developer who strives to appear superior to her exploitative parents. She is involved in gentrifying a town in New Mexico, presenting it as aid to the local community. Alongside her husband, played by Nathan Fielder, Whitney begins filming a reality show about their projects. Things then become progressively stranger, more awkward, and unsettling. Emma Stone portrays a character who speaks the right words, but behind them lies almost no genuine empathy. This performance demonstrates that in her second decade of her career, Emma Stone’s roles are becoming even more complex, sharp, and intriguing.
“Poor Things,” 2023
Emma Stone in “Poor Things,” 2023
The best testament to Emma Stone’s professional growth is Yorgos Lanthimos’s surreal yet remarkably vivid coming-of-age film. Emma Stone plays Bella Baxter, a Victorian-era woman reanimated with the brain of an infant. She escapes the control of her guardian, played by Willem Dafoe, and embarks on a wild journey with a rakish aristocrat, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo. This is an extraordinarily detailed and physically precise performance. Her Bella learns to speak, move, desire, err, and comprehend the world anew. This is, without a doubt, Emma Stone’s defining role to date. And one of the most powerful acting achievements in recent years. It’s no surprise that “Poor Things” earned her a second Oscar for Best Actress, just seven years after her first win.
“Bugonia,” 2025
Emma Stone in “Bugonia,” 2025
In Yorgos Lanthimos’s peculiar film “Bugonia,” Emma Stone once again commands all attention. She plays Michelle Fuller, a CEO who speaks in corporate clichés and fashionable business jargon. She is abducted by a weary conspiracy theorist, played by Jesse Plemons. Subsequently, the character’s head is shaved, and her body is covered in white cream. However, Michelle is far from a helpless victim. She is firm, cold, calculating, and almost invulnerable. She easily outmaneuvers her adversaries. And Emma Stone, in this role, is in superb form. She plays Michelle with noticeable enjoyment, once again proving that her most captivating work may still be ahead.