Which actress won Best Actress at the 2024 Oscars for her role in Poor Things?

Emma Stone earned her second Academy Award for Best Actress at the 2024 Oscars for her captivating performance as Bella Baxter in Yorgos Lanthimos's fantastical film, Poor Things. In this unique dark comedy, Stone portrays a young woman brought back to life by a mad scientist, navigating a surreal 19th-century Europe with the mind of a child in an adult's body. Her portrayal of Bella's dramatic self-discovery and liberation, often through unconventional means, resonated strongly with critics and audiences alike.

Stone's performance in Poor Things was widely described as a career-defining role, showcasing her remarkable ability to blend physical comedy with profound emotional depth. She masterfully depicted Bella's intellectual and emotional evolution, from a primitive, curious infant to a confident, independent woman with a thirst for knowledge and experience. This challenging role, which involved portraying a character with a child's brain implanted into an adult's body, allowed Stone to deliver a truly unique and memorable performance.

The competition for Best Actress at the 96th Academy Awards was particularly strong, with Stone triumphing over highly acclaimed performances from nominees such as Lily Gladstone for Killers of the Flower Moon, Sandra Hüller for Anatomy of a Fall, and Carey Mulligan for Maestro. Prior to her Oscar win, Stone had already garnered significant recognition for her work in Poor Things, including the BAFTA for Best Actress and the Golden Globe for Best Female Actor in a Musical or Comedy. This second Best Actress Oscar places her among an elite group of actresses who have won the award multiple times.