The 96th Academy Awards ceremony was full of memorable moments, but one exchange stood out for its awkwardness. Jimmy Kimmel, hosting the event, cracked a joke about Poor Things, the critically acclaimed film starring and executive produced by Emma Stone, alluding to its numerous sex scenes. While the audience erupted in laughter, Stone’s less-than-enthusiastic reaction quickly became a topic of discussion.
As Kimmel delivered his monologue, he turned his attention to Poor Things, a film that has been celebrated for its bold storytelling and Stone’s transformative performance. The movie, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, explores themes of empowerment and self-discovery through the journey of its unconventional protagonist, Bella, a reanimated woman who fully embraces her desires and autonomy. However, Kimmel’s quip focused on the film’s explicit content, saying, “Poor Things—or as we’ve been calling it around here, ‘Fifty Shades of Frankenstein.’”
While the joke drew hearty laughs from the audience, cameras captured Stone’s reaction, which seemed noticeably reserved. Sitting in the front row, Stone offered a polite smile but avoided the raucous laughter shared by many of her peers. Her expression sparked speculation among viewers, with some interpreting it as discomfort or annoyance at the reductive framing of a film she has spoken about passionately.
Stone, who has described Poor Things as one of the most creatively fulfilling projects of her career, has emphasized the film’s deeper messages about female empowerment, agency, and breaking societal norms. In interviews, she has praised Lanthimos’ fearless approach and spoken about how the film’s more explicit scenes serve a purpose in the narrative, showcasing Bella’s unapologetic embrace of her desires.
Fans and critics were quick to take to social media, with many voicing their support for Stone. “Emma Stone looked so unimpressed, and honestly, I don’t blame her,” one Twitter user wrote. “Poor Things is a masterpiece, and it deserves better than being reduced to a joke about sex scenes.” Others defended Kimmel’s lighthearted approach, arguing that awards show humor often involves poking fun at nominees and their work.
This moment reignited ongoing debates about how female-led films, particularly those that explore themes of sexuality, are discussed in mainstream media. Some critics argued that Kimmel’s joke, though intended as harmless, underscored a broader tendency to trivialize films that challenge conventional narratives.
For his part, Kimmel continued with the evening’s festivities without addressing the audience’s reaction or Stone’s demeanor. The host, known for balancing sharp humor with tact, has previously walked the line between playful roasting and controversy during his Oscars appearances.
Despite the brief awkwardness, the night proved triumphant for Poor Things. The film took home several major awards, including Best Director for Lanthimos and Best Actress for Stone, cementing its place as one of the year’s standout cinematic achievements. During her acceptance speech, Stone avoided any reference to Kimmel’s joke, instead focusing on the gratitude she felt for being part of such a groundbreaking project.
While the Oscars are often remembered for their glitz, glamour, and occasional drama, moments like this serve as a reminder of the ongoing conversation about how films—particularly those that challenge norms—are perceived and discussed on Hollywood’s biggest stage. For Emma Stone, the moment may have been uncomfortable, but it also highlighted the powerful impact of Poor Things and its ability to provoke thought far beyond the screen.
