Emma Stone Dishes on Challenges While Filming “Poor Things” and Nabs Oscar Nomination
Oscar-winning actress Emma Stone shared insights into the unique challenges she faced while working on the acclaimed Yorgos Lanthimos film, “Poor Things,” during a panel at Saturday’s Celebration of the Nominees for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Stone, who received another Academy Awards nod in the Best Actress category for her role as Bella Baxter in the film, discussed various aspects of her character and the filmmaking process. When asked about playing an explicitly sexual character, Stone emphasized that the choreography and coordination involved in such scenes made them relatively easy compared to other aspects of her role.
“The sexuality of Bella was another part of that, and the way that that was going to be shot and how we were going to do it and our incredible intimacy coordinator and our closed sets and all of that. In some ways, that was the easiest part because that was choreographed,” Stone explained.
She then delved into the more challenging aspects of her role, particularly portraying Bella Baxter’s emotions and quirks, including her character’s eating habits. Stone revealed, “Figuring out how to walk or eat 60 Portuguese tarts, which the first bite is delicious, but by the end you really want to puke.”
“Poor Things” explores a unique storyline where Stone’s character is created when Willem Dafoe’s character places the brain of a deceased woman’s baby into her body after she dies by suicide.
Stone’s stellar performance has already garnered recognition, with wins at the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award ceremonies this year. At the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards last weekend, Stone clinched the leading actress trophy, expressing her gratitude to her mother, Krista Stone, during her acceptance speech.
“I just want to say this in case I don’t ever get a chance to again,” Stone said. “I really want to thank my mom because she’s the best person I know in the world and she inspires me every single day.”
Stone’s journey, however, faced a minor setback at the recent SAG Awards, where Lily Gladstone secured the outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role award for her role in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Nevertheless, Emma Stone’s stellar portrayal in “Poor Things” continues to be a highlight of this year’s awards season.