“Red carpet reunions are always a delight, but this one is a particularly sweet and unexpected tale! It’s been a year since the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, where a humble reporter’s heartfelt gesture towards Emma Stone went viral, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide. The story of journalist, Laura Harding, who refused to use Emma Stone’s stage name during an interview, instead addressing her by her real name, Rebecca, resonated deeply with audiences. The two have now reunited, and the outcome is a testament to the power of human connection and the magic that can unfold when kindness and authenticity meet. Join us as we delve into the heartwarming reunion between Emma Stone and Laura Harding, and explore what this encounter says about the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the spotlight.”
Emma Stone Reunites with Reporter Who Went Viral for Calling Her by Her Real Name at Cannes Film Festival
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Emma Stone reunited with the reporter who went viral for calling her by her real name at the Cannes Film Festival last year during this year’s event on May 17 “Very good to see you,” the actress told the journalist while promoting her film Eddington Stone previously told The Hollywood Reporter that she initially changed her name professionally years ago because another actress was already going by Emily Stone
During a press conference, the journalist told Stone, “I’d like to thank you for quite literally changing my life. Just a year ago, we were at the very same press room, where I addressed you by your real name, Emily.” As Stone, 36, responded, “Yes, very good to see you,” the reporter continued, “The video of this, and your kind and warm response, it went viral in Western media and obviously in my country, Kazakhstan, and it has skyrocketed my career and it has changed my personal life — literally for saying one word.” “That was incredibly sweet, and I’m so happy that a name could do that,” Stone then responded, before going on to discuss her project with the journalist.
The Cast’s Thoughts on the Film and its Relevance
Pedro Pascal, 50, opened up about how he feels for immigrants in the United States currently amid Donald Trump’s second presidential term. “I want people to be safe and to be protected, and I want very much to live on the right side of history,” he said. “And I’m an immigrant. My parents are refugees from Chile. I myself was a refugee. We fled a dictatorship, and I was privileged enough to grow up in the U.S. after asylum in Denmark.” Added the actor: “And if it weren’t for that, I don’t know what would’ve happened to us. So I stand by those protections, always.”
Emma Stone’s Experience Working with Director Ari Aster
A trailer released for Eddington in April showed footage of Phoenix, Butler, 33, Pascal and Stone’s characters speaking — along with other footage that implies Phoenix’s sheriff has assaulted protestors in his town — before the character is seen “doomscrolling” on his phone before bed. Eddington’s stars are expected to be all over movie
Emma Stone’s Career and Personal Life
Her Trust and Comfort with Director Yorgos Lanthimos
Stone’s attendance at Friday’s conference for the film came after her dazzling red carpet appearance, when she wore a dazzling burgundy Louis Vuitton plunging gown. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Emma Stone, Yorgos Lanthimos, Jesse Plemons, Margaret Qualley and Mamoudou Athie attend the ‘Kinds Of Kindness’ world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17. Daniele Venturelli/WireImage The actress said during the conference she now has an “extreme comfort” in working with the film’s director Lanthimos, 50. (On May 18 it was announced Lanthimos and Stone with reunite with Plemons, 36, for the upcoming Bugonia, which, according to a logline from Focus Features, follows two “conspiracy-obsessed young men” who “kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.”)
“I feel like I can do anything with him, because we’ve worked together so many times. I trust him beyond the trust I’ve ever had with any director,” Stone said. “… We just have something that I can’t explain, and I’m so grateful for it.” Stone also shared that, as much as Lanthimos has mentioned her being his muse over the years, she also sees him as hers. “I think he’s my muse. We’ve established that long ago,” she said. “I met him about 10 years ago … We had such a great time working together on The Favourite, and I’m drawn to his stories. I’m drawn to his films. I’m drawn to his way of seeing the world and the characters and the way he goes about all of it.” “So it’s just been mad. I think we both feel that way. We do. We have similar taste too — who knew,” she added.
Emma Stone’s Views on Being Called by Her Real Name
While Stone said she doesn’t mind being called either Emma or Emily, she noted that she prefers going by her real name. “That would be so nice. I would like to be Emily,” she said. The actress changed her name professionally to Emma at the start of her career. VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty
Kinds of Kindness marks Stone’s fifth movie with Lanthimos and her first with the director after her Oscar-winning role in Poor Things (2023). The actress appears alongside Willem Dafoe, Joe Alwyn, Jesse Plemons, Margaret Qualley, Hunter Schafer and Hong Chau in the triptych fable, which follows a man attempting to control his life, a policeman whose missing wife has returned, and a woman searching for someone with a special ability.
Stone’s attendance at Friday’s conference for the film came after her dazzling red carpet appearance, when she wore a dazzling burgundy Louis Vuitton plunging gown. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Kinds of Kindness will be released on June 21.
Conclusion
As we conclude this article, it’s clear that Emma Stone’s reunion with the reporter who went viral for calling her by her real name at the Cannes Film Festival is more than just a heartwarming moment. It’s a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of authenticity in our personal and professional relationships. The two individuals who initially connected over a simple yet meaningful gesture have now reconnected, showcasing the lasting impact of kindness and respect.
The significance of this reunion lies not only in the joy it brings to those involved but also in the broader implications it has for our society. In an era where social media often prioritizes spectacle over substance, it’s refreshing to see a genuine moment of humanity unfold before our eyes. This reunion serves as a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and noise, there is beauty to be found in the simple acts of kindness and compassion.
As we move forward, it’s crucial that we continue to prioritize these values in our daily lives. By fostering a culture of empathy, respect, and authenticity, we can create a world where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. And it’s moments like this reunion that inspire us to strive for that goal. As Emma Stone and the reporter proved, even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact, and it’s our responsibility to continue spreading love, light, and positivity in all that we do.