From coming on the scene with the iconic comedic film Superbad to starring in Disney adaptations like Cruella, Emma Stone’s filmography boasts great movies and performances. While she was known in the beginning for her comedic films, in her later years, Stone has stepped into more dramatic roles, fully rounding out the actress’ career. In fact, it’s her roles in dramatic films that have earned the actress three Oscar nominations and one win. Indeed, Stone received two nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for both Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) and The Favourite. Her Oscar win came from her role in La La Land, where she won Best Performance by and Actress in a Leading Role. Incidentally, all three films were also nominated for Best Picture during the 2010s, though only Birdman went on to win the category.
Per NME, fans will see Stone return to the big screen in Yorgos Lanthimos’ adaptation of Frankenstein called Poor Things. This film marks the second time Stone and Lanthimos have teamed up together, the first being The Favourite. IMDB currently lists the film to be released in 2022, though not much has been reported on the film. Looper, however, put together an article of few details that are known, including cast, plot, and suspected release. Until then, to prepare us for another dramatic film, let’s take a look at a few of Stone’s best dramatic movies, ranked.
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6 Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
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In Birdman, Michael Keaton plays Riggan, a washed-up superhero actor who attempts to revive his career by taking his talents to Broadway. During his early years, Riggan played Birdman, a comic book superhero, over a successful film franchise. Since wrapping on that character, it’s been hard for him to keep his fame as the character has become all-consuming for him. To prove himself a true artist, he hopes to showcase his directing, writing, producing, and acting skills in a Broadway production of Raymond Carver’s story What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, with his best friend Jake, played by Zach Galifianakis. In the film, Stone plays the character of Sam, who is hired to be his production assistant. Sam just came out of rehab for a drug addiction and happens to be Riggan’s daughter as well.
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5 Crazy, Stupid, Love
Warner Bros.
Crazy, Stupid, Love marks the first time the iconic duo of Ryan Gosling and Stone paired up on the big screen. In this romantic dramedy, fans get to see the pair in their first on-screen partnership. Stone plays Hannah, a good girl who just passed the bar to earn herself title of lawyer. Gosling plays Jacob, a ladies’ man who befriends Cal, played by Steve Carell, who was just recently cheated on by his wife of 25 years. In one of the best twists in romance movie history, it turns out Hannah is Cal’s oldest daughter causing a rift in the two men’s friendship. This film is both cutesy and funny with its own touching dramatic moments. If you love the idea of a soulmate, this is the perfect movie for you to add to your watchlist.
4 The Favourite
Element Pictures
The Favourite is based on Queen Anne, played by Olivia Colman, during 18th-Century England. Queen Anne is in a frail state, and it’s her close friend Lady Sarah, played by Rachel Weisz, who helps run the country in her stead. A new servant Abigail, played by Stone, comes to town and quickly wins over Lady Sarah, seeking a way to return to her aristocratic roots. As war becomes too consuming for Lady Sarah, it’s Abigail who steps in to fill the companionship that Queen Anne needs. A silent war is waged between Abigail and Lady Sarah as the two vie for Queen Anne’s friendship. Both Stone and Weisz were nominated for an Oscar for their supporting roles in the great film.
3 Cruella
Walt Disney Pictures
Cruella is Stone’s most recent film, having released in 2021. The success of Cruella has Stone returning for the sequel, which is set to begin filming in 2023. As one can guess, the film looks into the life of Cruella de Vil before she became the villain she is known as in the 101 Dalmations franchise. We see teenager Estella, which is what she goes by pre-villain, as she tries to become a fashion designer. Though she is armed with natural talent and drive, it seems life does not want her to achieve her dreams. An orphan at 12, Estella later finds herself with two partners in crime (Horace and Jasper) as they run wild through the streets trying to build a life for themselves. One day, she catches the eye of fashion legend Baronness von Hellman, which results in transforming Estella into Cruella.
2 The Help
DreamWorks Pictures
The Help is a film based on a novel of the same name written by Kathryn Stockett. The film was one of two dramas starring Stone that premiered in 2011. The Help centers around an aspiring author, Skeeter Phelan, played by Stone, who decides to write a book from the Black maids’ point of view as they work for wealthy white families. The story takes place during the civil rights movement in the 1960s, which puts Skeeter in a tough position as she tries to persuade the maids that it is safe to talk to her. As an outcast in her own society, Skeeter feels called to shed light on the maids’ hardships as they go through their jobs.
1 La La Land
Summit Entertainment
La La Land is part drama, part musical and brings together the great duo that is Gosling and Stone. As with all of their roles, their chemistry in this film is beautiful and couldn’t be better paired. In this film, Stone plays the character of Mia, an aspiring actress who meets Gosling’s Sebastian, an aspiring pianist, whose lives are changed over the course of their relationship. As their love grows, which first blossomed from distaste, they find their careers also at odds. Sebastian gets a gig with a touring jazz band and Mia writes a one-woman play. Sebastian longs for the slower life, while Mia longs to become a great actress. In this touching love story, the two must grow apart to get back to what it is they want.
