Emma Stone, at 37, has surpassed Meryl Streep’s long-held record by earning a total of seven Oscar nominations, making her the youngest woman in Academy Awards history to reach this milestone. The announcement came with the 2026 Oscars nominations released on Thursday, highlighting Stone’s Best Actress nod for her role in Yorgos Lanthimos’ film Bugonia as well as a producer nomination for Best Picture.
Emma Stone’s Historic Milestone at the Academy Awards
Stone’s dual nominations for Bugonia — both for Best Actress and as a producer for Best Picture — have secured her place as the youngest woman to reach seven Oscar nominations, breaking the record previously held by the legendary Meryl Streep, who was 38 when she earned her seventh nod in 1988. Although Streep continues to lead as the most nominated actor in Oscars history with 21 total nominations and three wins, Stone’s achievement signals a remarkable ascent in Hollywood’s elite circles.
Stone’s Academy Awards journey includes earlier recognitions such as Best Supporting Actress for 2015’s Birdman and 2019’s The Favourite, along with a producer nod for 2024’s Poor Things. She has won twice for Best Actress: first for 2017’s La La Land and again in 2024 for Poor Things.
‘Bugonia’ Garners Multiple Oscar Nominations
Bugonia has received four nominations: Best Actress, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture. The film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a dark comedy remake of a 2003 South Korean movie. Its plot centers on two young men who abduct a powerful CEO, suspecting that he is an alien bent on Earth‘s destruction. Stone portrays the CEO, starring alongside Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone.
Despite Plemons’ critical acclaim and nominations at the Actor Awards and Golden Globes this season, he was notably excluded from the Best Supporting Actor Oscar category. Stone’s role required a dramatic transformation, including shaving her head, a decision she embraced during a September 2025 Q&A in New York City.
“From the moment I read the script, I knew I’d have to shave my head, because there was just never going to be any other way,”
Stone said, calling it
“one of the greatest experiences of my life.”
“And it’s just hair,”
she added, continuing,
“I thought it would be longer by now, but it’s just hair!”
Stone’s Appreciation for Creative Collaboration on ‘Bugonia’
In response to her nominations for Bugonia, Stone expressed heartfelt gratitude toward the Academy and everyone involved in the production. In a statement to The Post, she emphasized the importance of director Yorgos Lanthimos and the collaborative spirit behind the film.
“Thank you to the Academy for these nominations and to everyone who poured their hearts into ‘Bugonia,’”
she said.
“None of this exists without our director, Yorgos. I am forever grateful for our creative partnership and friendship.”
“I share this recognition with the beyond brilliant Jesse Plemons and our remarkable cast, crew and producers,”
Stone continued.
“To be in the company of all of these incredible nominees is a true honor, and I’m deeply thankful.”
Legacy of Meryl Streep vs. Emma Stone’s Rising Star
Meryl Streep’s record of seven Oscar nominations by age 38 stood untouched for decades, underscoring her iconic status in film history. Streep’s profound impact is reflected in three Oscar wins: Best Supporting Actress for Kramer vs. Kramer in 1980, Best Actress for Sophie’s Choice in 1983, and Best Actress for The Iron Lady in 2012. While Streep remains the most-nominated actor ever, Stone’s swift accumulation of Oscar nods points to a promising future in acting and producing.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of the 98th Academy Awards
The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony will air on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. on ABC, where Stone’s achievements will be celebrated alongside the other distinguished nominees. Her breakthrough with Bugonia and ongoing career momentum have made her a leading figure in discussions about the future of Hollywood’s most prestigious honors.
