In 2018, the critically acclaimed film 'The Favourite' captured the attention of audiences and went on to become a hit on Netflix. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his distinct style in movies like 'The Lobster' and 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer,' the film tells the true story of two cousins who compete for the affection of Queen Anne in 18th century England. The movie received widespread recognition, earning 10 Oscar nominations, including a Best Picture nod, and winning Best Lead Actress for its star, Olivia Colman.
Recently, Netflix revealed their Top 10 most-watched English-language movies for the week of January 22 through January 28, and 'The Favourite' claimed the fifth spot. With 4.3 million viewers and a total of 8.7 million viewing hours, the historical comedy surpassed other popular Netflix hits like 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' and Adam Sandler's animated title, 'Leo.' It's a testament to the enduring appeal of this captivating film.
Emma Stone, who portrayed a supporting role in 'The Favourite,' joined forces with Yorgos Lanthimos once again for their latest collaboration, 'Poor Things.' This intriguing Frankensteinian dramedy has garnered 11 Oscar nominations, including a Lead Actress nod for Stone herself. Although Stone did not take home the Oscar for her role in 'The Favourite,' she had already been awarded an Oscar for her performance in the 2016 musical 'La La Land.' This raises the question of whether Stone will secure her next Oscar for 'Poor Things.' However, she faces tough competition this year, with Annette Bening, Lily Gladstone, Sandra Hüller, and Carey Mulligan also vying for the Best Lead Actress award.
Stone's previous work demonstrates her consistent ability to deliver compelling performances. Alongside 'La La Land' and 'The Favourite,' movies such as 'The Help,' 'Birdman,' and 'Cruella' have all received numerous Oscar nominations. Interestingly, Stone's dual role as both an actress and producer in 'Poor Things' has earned her a second nomination this year, showcasing her potential to expand her awards eligibility on future projects.
'The Favourite' takes place in 18th century Britain and follows the story of Abigail Hill, a young woman seeking employment at the court of Queen Anne. Abigail's older cousin, Sarah Churchill, holds a powerful position as the queen's confidante and advisor—an esteemed role that Abigail desires for herself. As Abigail competes for the queen's favor, a bitter rivalry unfolds between her and Sarah, threatening to destroy both women. Emma Stone shines in her portrayal of Abigail, sharing the screen with the talented Olivia Colman and Rachel Weisz.
With 'The Favourite' finding success on Netflix and Emma Stone's impressive track record, it's evident that both the film and the actress possess enduring appeal. Whether Stone secures another Oscar win or not, her future projects are likely to continue capturing the attention of audiences and receiving critical acclaim. It's safe to say that Emma Stone is an actress whose talent and contributions to the film industry will be celebrated for years to come.
