Emma Stone Jeopardy dream and rejections are not just surprising, but reveal a different side of the Oscar winner, who has revealed her persistent, annual attempts to compete as a contestant on the famed quiz show Jeopardy!—despite never passing the first hurdle. While she graces the top spots in Hollywood, Stone’s aspirations extend beyond award shows, as she applies each June, only to be turned down every time.
Emma Stone’s Persistent Quest for a Jeopardy! Spot
Emma Stone, celebrated for her performance in Poor Things and holding accolades like two Golden Globes, three SAG Awards, and an Academy Award, continues to pursue her unique Hollywood dream. Stone shared in early 2024 that she applies to be on Jeopardy! every year, always without success. Instead of simply enjoying her celebrity status, she is determined to reach the Jeopardy! stage by passing the same qualifying test as every other fan.
During her appearance on the Awards Circuit podcast, Stone openly shared just how meaningful this dream is to her.
That’s my favorite show. That’s my dream,
—Stone, Oscar Winner. Year after year, she marks June on her calendar, hoping that this time, she will get past the initial quiz that stands between her and the clue board. So far, the process remains a stubborn obstacle.
The Rigorous Jeopardy! Application Process
The pathway to becoming a contestant on Jeopardy! is more demanding than many realize. Applicants can only attempt the qualifying quiz once each year, and with each try, Stone faces the same waiting game.
They don’t tell you how you did,
—Stone, Oscar Winner. The process is secretive, leaving contestants uncertain of their scores.
They just say, ‘We’ll let you know in the next nine to 12 months if you got on the show,’ and guess what, I haven’t gotten on the show.
—Stone, Oscar Winner.
This process isn’t just based on fame or achievements. Every applicant, whether an A-list actor or a trivia-loving fan, must pass under the same conditions. Despite her status, Stone finds herself on the outside, looking in, as she explains this frustration with humor and resolve.
Refusing Special Treatment: Passing on Celebrity Jeopardy!
When the Awards Circuit podcast host suggested that her notoriety would guarantee her a spot on Celebrity Jeopardy!, Stone made her feelings clear.
I really want to earn my stripes,
—Stone, Oscar Winner. She emphasized her wish to compete alongside ordinary trivia buffs, not fellow stars, and does not want her fame to influence her journey. For her, the challenge and fairness of open competition is more important than an easy entry.
Stone’s approach involves discipline and practice. She dedicates time each evening to watch Jeopardy!, keeping a record of the clues she answers correctly, treating it as a nightly study session. This commitment makes clear her goal is more than a playful fantasy—it is a goal she takes seriously, striving to match the dedication of past champions.
Comparisons to Pop Culture and Fellow Contestants
During the podcast, the comparison was drawn to Gloria, the character played by Rosie Perez in the 1992 film White Men Can’t Jump, who practices Jeopardy! questions with the hope of eventually appearing on the show. Just like Gloria, Stone pursues her goal with determination, minus making it onto the set—so far.
Emma Stone says she dreams of going on Jeopardy and applies every June.
“You can only take it once a year with your email address. So every June I take the quiz & they don’t tell you how you did… guess what, I haven’t gotten on the show. I watch it every single night and I mark… pic.twitter.com/xIiClRXKjH
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 12, 2024
Stone even mentioned how each June requires a fresh attempt: applying with her email, testing her trivia skills, and waiting through long months for a reply that never seems to come.
Jeopardy! Fame Is Never Guaranteed—No Matter Who You Are
The Jeopardy! contestant pool has included a few recognizable faces over the years—not all of whom were introduced with their celebrity credentials. In 2018, Jackie Fuchs, once bassist for the Runaways, appeared and enjoyed a strong four-game winning streak, earning more than $87,000. Paris Themmen, known for his childhood role as Mike Teevee in Willy Wonka, also tried his hand. Trebek, Jeopardy!’s legendary host, presented Themmen as a ‘backpacker’ and ‘entrepreneur,’ emphasizing that fame plays no role in being selected or branded as a contestant.
For Stone, this is further proof that the casting team seeks to maintain the show’s integrity, and that anyone—be they a trivia veteran, a dedicated fan, or a public figure—must prove themselves to secure their spot.
Will Emma Stone’s Jeopardy! Journey Have a Happy Ending?
Despite her ongoing rejections, Stone’s spirits remain high. She continues sharpening her trivia abilities, with the hope that the next June quiz might finally open the door. As Jeopardy! continues its reign after more than 40 years on U.S. television, Stone stands out as the type of fan who might gladly swap her Academy Award for a chance at buzzing in as a contestant.
While Stone’s ambition for trivia greatness plays out, her career momentum persists. Around the same period, she was on course to potentially join Frances McDormand as only the second woman to receive Oscar nominations for both acting and producing in a single year—an achievement last seen with Nomadland in 2020. By refusing shortcuts, Emma Stone’s Jeopardy dreams cast a light on both her humility and her remarkable competitive drive, showing how even the brightest stars remain true fans chasing a different kind of spotlight.
