Emma Stone remains one of Hollywood’s most accomplished and celebrated actresses, having achieved four Oscar nominations between 2014 and 2023, with two of those resulting in Academy Award wins before she turned 40. The widely discussed question of which of Emma Stone’s performances earned her the highest critical acclaim continues to interest fans and industry experts alike, as her diverse roles have shaped contemporary cinema through a blend of humor, pathos, and technical excellence. As audiences and critics recall her most praised work, each Academy Award nomination stands as a testament to Emma Stone’s evolving artistry and her persistent drive to redefine what it means to be a leading actress in modern film.
Having first broken into the spotlight through a series of popular comedies such as “Superbad,” “Zombieland,” and “Easy A,” Emma Stone’s early reputation was primarily built on her sharp comedic timing and her distinctive, husky voice. However, when it came to her Oscar-nominated performances, Stone ventured deeper into roles that blurred the lines between comedy and drama, often delivering complex, layered characters that demonstrated her impressive range. The roles that earned her Academy attention have each contributed uniquely to her standing in the entertainment industry, reflecting not just her personal growth but also shifting views on the types of performances that can define a generation.
Stone’s four nominations span a mere decade, a relatively brief period in a successful acting career. Each of the films recognized by the Academy shares a quality of innovation, whether in structure, genre, or emotional impact. The critical community has pointed out that while Emma Stone is often associated with the lightness and energy typical of comedic films, the depth she brings to her Oscar roles has set her apart from her contemporaries. As a result, any attempt to rank these four performances must account for both her individual achievement and the broader impact of each film within the context of current cinema.
One of Emma Stone’s most striking nominations came for her portrayal in “The Favourite,” a film set in the early 1700s and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Here, Emma Stone played Abigail, a newcomer at the English court, caught in a turbulent contest for the favor of Queen Anne. The film’s darkly comic atmosphere, paired with its psychologically charged storytelling, offered Stone an ideal platform to showcase her skills. Appearing alongside Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman, Stone delivered a nuanced performance filled with ambition, vulnerability, and wit, earning both peer admiration and public acclaim.
Critics noted that while “The Favourite” was anchored around Colman’s portrayal of Queen Anne, Emma Stone ensured her supporting role was equally unforgettable. The film’s script and unique direction invited each leading actress to shine, challenging them to navigate surreal, often uncomfortable territory, providing an electrifying mix of drama and dark humor. According to reports, Stone’s portrayal stood out for her ability to bring warmth and cunning to Abigail amid the eccentric dynamics of the royal court, which contributed to the film’s multiple Oscar nominations.
Having three supremely talented actresses working together so intensely elevated the entire experience,
said one film analyst, emphasizing how essential Stone’s energy was to the film’s success.
Yorgos Lanthimos’s influence over the film’s tone cannot be overstated. Known for his unusual style and peculiar sense of humor, Lanthimos turned “The Favourite” into an absurdist take on historical drama, with the film often oscillating between comedy and psychological intrigue. Yet, amidst the film’s distinctive chaos, Emma Stone managed to carve out moments of genuine emotion, leaving an impression that resonated with audiences worldwide. Despite not taking home the Oscar for this performance, Stone’s nomination for “The Favourite” was a clear affirmation of her status as one of the most versatile actors of her generation.
More recently, Emma Stone reunited with Lanthimos for “Poor Things,” a film that marked yet another milestone in her career. With a remarkable total of 11 Oscar nominations and four wins, “Poor Things” represented a high point for both Stone and the production team. Stone was nominated not only as Best Actress, but also as a producer, further demonstrating her growing influence in the film industry. Although the movie did not win Best Picture, Stone emerged victorious in the Best Actress category, confirming her dominance during the awards season.
In “Poor Things,” Emma Stone faced one of her most demanding roles yet. Playing Bella Baxter, a woman revived with a different brain who must experience the world anew, Stone carried the film almost single-handedly. Nearly every scene relied on her capacity to transition from comedic absurdity to raw vulnerability, as Bella navigates a surreal and unpredictable version of Victorian London. The story, which layers grotesque imagery with moments of beauty, asked much of its lead actress, but critics and audiences alike acknowledged Stone’s fearless, full-bodied portrayal as transformative.
What set “Poor Things” apart from Emma Stone’s other Oscar-nominated works was its unreserved embrace of comedy and the willingness to mix genres in unexpected ways. The comedic energy coursing through the film made it stand out in a field more often dominated by dramatic, serious fare.
Stone gives her gutsiest performance yet. She reinvents herself scene after scene,
wrote one reviewer. The technical elements of “Poor Things” impressed Academy voters, but the cohesiveness and heart of the film were credited largely to Stone’s central performance.
Despite the film‘s polarizing style—and its director’s reputation for unconventional narratives—Stone’s turn as Bella Baxter kept viewers engaged while anchoring the film’s wild shifts in tone. Industry insiders remarked that even when the film’s storytelling became feverish or grotesque, Stone’s commitment gave her character an emotional grounding that resonated well beyond the comedic surface. With “Poor Things,” Emma Stone not only expanded her repertoire but also proved that a boldly comic role could lead to Oscar glory.
Emma Stone’s ascent to Oscar-nominated status began with
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance),
which is so far the only Best Picture winner among her nominated films. In this ensemble-driven, technically ambitious film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, Stone played Sam, the daughter of Michael Keaton’s washed-up superhero actor striving for artistic redemption on Broadway. Although “Birdman” largely centered on Keaton’s character, Stone’s role provided emotional contrast and a sense of authenticity within the surreal, high-tension environment of the story.
Shot and edited to appear as though filmed in a single continuous take, “Birdman” immersed viewers in the chaos and anxiety of backstage theater while lampooning Hollywood’s excesses and its obsession with fame. Stone’s performance as Sam, her father’s personal assistant and confidant, injected moments of clarity, frustration, and compassion into the film’s whirlwind pacing.
She’s the soul of sanity in a world that’s constantly in flux,
observed one critic, highlighting Stone’s ability to humanize even the most outlandish cinematic situations.
Although “Birdman” ultimately claimed four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, it did not win in the acting categories despite multiple nominations for its stars—including Emma Stone. Nevertheless, her breakout as a dramatic contender set a new bar for her subsequent roles. The nomination underscored her capacity for supporting performances that could hold their own amid a cast of established heavyweights, foreshadowing her future success as a leading actress.
Arguably, the most culturally significant and universally beloved of Emma Stone’s Oscar nominations came from her turn as Mia Dolan in “La La Land.” This musical romance captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning Stone her first Oscar win for Best Actress. In “La La Land,” Stone portrayed an aspiring actress struggling to make her mark in Los Angeles, navigating the challenges of love and ambition. The film’s structure—choreographed musical escapades set against a modern backdrop—demanded subtle shifts in tone, and Stone delivered with vibrant energy and authenticity.
Her chemistry with Ryan Gosling—established in previous titles like “Crazy, Stupid, Love”—was a key element in the film’s emotional resonance. Critics especially praised Stone for her ability to blend old-Hollywood glamour with a modern sensibility, resulting in a character who felt both timeless and relatable.
Emma Stone brings warmth and real vulnerability to Mia. It’s a performance that feels honest, even as the movie dances on air,
commented one industry veteran.
“La La Land” was lauded for its vibrant visuals, engaging music, and bittersweet story, with Stone’s performance often cited as the movie’s emotional heartbeat. The success of “La La Land” at the Oscars, and the film’s impact on contemporary musicals, reinforced Emma Stone’s ability to lead a major film and connect with viewers across demographics. Her Oscar win for “La La Land” was viewed as the natural culmination of her early promise and quiet determination.
Each of Emma Stone’s Oscar-nominated performances demonstrates a willingness to take creative risks, often in roles that fuse comedy with serious dramatic undertones. Her success as both a comedic and dramatic actress has helped redefine what awards voters look for in leading ladies, opening the door for more varied and complex depictions of women in film. Stone’s admiration within the industry isn’t limited to her screen presence; with her work as a producer on “Poor Things,” she has further established herself as a multidimensional force in modern cinema.
As Stone’s career continues, her four Oscar nominations—culminating in two wins—remain a benchmark for the impact she has had on film in the 21st century. The performances themselves have not only shaped her public persona but have influenced how comedic and dramatic films can intersect at the highest levels of critical recognition. With her recent projects and ongoing collaborations with innovative directors like Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone seems poised to add even more memorable roles to her resume in the years ahead.
The significance of Emma Stone’s Oscar-nominated performances extends beyond personal achievement. Each nomination and award contributes to wider conversations about genre, representation, and the potential of women-led stories to command commercial and critical attention. Stone’s journey—beginning as a determined teenager leaving school to pursue her Hollywood dreams—has inspired a new wave of talent and set a standard for artistic bravery in the face of industry expectations.
Looking forward, it is anticipated that Emma Stone’s continued influence will shape industry trends, with her bold approach serving as a model for young actors seeking to blend humor and depth in their craft. The critical and commercial vitality of her Oscar-nominated roles remains a rich subject for film scholars and fans alike, as the legacy of Emma Stone’s performances is still evolving. For now, the ranking of her acclaimed roles provides a window into one of the defining filmographies of a generation, and with her career’s future wide open, more unforgettable performances are surely on the horizon.
