Academy Award-winning actress Emma Stone created another memorable moment at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, reuniting with the journalist who went viral last year for sweetly calling her by her real name, Emily, during a press event.
Stone, who stars in the upcoming thriller Eddington, returned to the annual film festival in France to promote the project. During a press conference, she crossed paths once again with the Kazakh journalist who became an internet sensation in 2024 for addressing her by her birth name—a moment that delighted both the actress and fans around the world.
“I’d like to thank you for quite literally changing my life,” the journalist told her during this year’s conference. “Just a year ago, we were in this same press room, where I addressed you by your real name, Emily.”
Stone smiled warmly and replied, “Yes, very good to see you.”
The reporter went on to share how Stone’s kind and genuine reaction had a significant impact on both his professional career and personal life, stating that the moment “skyrocketed” his visibility in Kazakhstan and in Western media.
“That was incredibly sweet, and I’m so happy that a name could do that,” Stone responded, before continuing to discuss her new film.
The original interaction in 2024 touched fans globally when Stone excitedly responded to being called “Emily” by telling director Yorgos Lanthimos, “That’s my name!” The touching exchange became a viral moment, showcasing Stone’s humility and charm.
At this year’s event, Stone was joined by co-stars Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Austin Butler, along with director Ari Aster, to present Eddington. The thriller is set in New Mexico during May 2020, capturing the psychological tension of the early COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of civil unrest in the U.S.
Eddington is scheduled for theatrical release on July 18, 2025, and is already generating early buzz for its gripping storyline and star-studded cast.
