When Emma Stone stepped onto the stage to promote her latest film, Eddington, she probably didn’t expect a heartfelt reunion to steal the spotlight.
The movie had just wrapped its debut with an impressive seven-minute standing ovation, setting the tone for a memorable night.
But it was a familiar face in the press room that made this moment truly special.
A Reporter’s Life-Changing Thank You
A film critic from Kazakhstan approached Emma with a unique message.
He thanked her for something rather unexpected—changing his life.
He reminded Emma that just a year before, at the very same press room, he had addressed her by her birth name, Emily.
Born Emily Jean Stone, she had adopted the professional name Emma after discovering another actress already used “Emily Stone.”
The reporter’s simple use of her original name sparked something meaningful.
How a Name Sparked Viral Fame
The reporter went on to explain how the interaction had transformed his career and personal life.
“The video of this moment, and your kind and warm response, went viral in Western media and back home in Kazakhstan,” he shared.
“It really skyrocketed my career and changed my life — all because of one word.”
Emma was touched. “That’s incredibly sweet.
I’m so happy that a name could have that kind of impact,” she said with a smile before moving on to discuss the film.
Reflecting on the Past: The First Time Emily Was Called ‘Emily’
This wasn’t the first time Emma’s birth name had caused a stir.
Back in 2024, while promoting her film Kinds of Kindness, the same reporter had accidentally called her Emily.
“That’s my name!” she’d exclaimed to director Yorgos Lanthimos in the moment, playfully reclaiming it.
A Broader Conversation at the Press Conference
The personal anecdotes didn’t stop there. During the news conference, a reporter asked if any cast members feared backlash from the Trump administration because of the bold themes in their movies.
After a brief silence, Pedro Pascal, one of the stars, spoke up with some powerful words. “Fear is how they win,” he said.
“So keep telling your stories, keep expressing yourself, and keep fighting for who you are.”
He didn’t hold back, adding, “F**k the people who try to scare you.
Fight back. Storytelling is one of the best ways to do that. Don’t let them win.”