Emma Stone Has Sweet Reaction to Jesse Eisenberg’s Surprise Shout-Out at Indie Spirit Awards

Jesse Eisenberg shocked his former Zombieland costar Emma Stone with a sweet shout-out during his Best Screenplay acceptance speech at the Independent Spirit Awards.

On Saturday, February 22, Eisenberg, 41, took home the writing trophy for his film A Real Pain, which Stone, 36, produced alongside her husband, Dave McCary, under their Fruit Tree production company.

“I met Emma when we were in Zombieland together in 2009 and since then I write little magazine articles and little things on McSweeney’s, and she’s the only person, I’m including my mom here, who would take little screenshots of it over the last 15 years and send me things like, ‘This is such a funny line!’” he said in his speech. “At the time, she was definitely, and still [is], the most famous I know, and yet also the most dedicated to encouraging me as a writer.”

The camera then panned to Stone, who shyly smiled as Eisenberg continued to praise her talent and efforts in the industry. She even mouthed “oh my God” as he deemed her his “fairy godmother.”

“I think about her not as my producer, but like a fairy godmother that I am riding the coattails of her goodwill,” he added. “And I think it’s so important that somebody like her, who is so unbelievably successful in mainstream movies, look for people like me and Julio [Torres], and Jane [Schoenbrun], to try to produce our movies with all the goodwill that she’s amassed so rightly and deservedly over the last several years. Thanks, Emma.”

Stone looked teary-eyed as the camera found her once again. She threw her hands up and seemingly told Eisenberg from her seat, “Stop. What the hell?”

The Oscar-winning actress looked lovely in an Emilia Wickstead ensemble, which featured a beaded and plunging black top and coordinating green skirt. She paired the look with black heels, Irene Neuwirth jewelry and her new pixie haircut.

Stone was at the Santa Monica award show in celebration of A Real Pain as well as I Saw the TV Glow, Problemista and Fantasmas, which she also executive produced. Fruit Tree recently signed a first-look film deal at Universal.

“I’ve long admired Emma’s versatility as an actress, fearlessly embodying every role. Paired with Dave’s distinctive comedic voice and creative instincts, we’ve seen the incredible work they have accomplished together. We’re thrilled to support the creative ambition and vision that Emma and Dave will continue to bring to projects behind the camera,” said NBC Universal chairman Donna Langley.

Stone and McCary, 39, added, “Fruit Tree was founded with a passion for supporting ambitious filmmakers and bold storytelling. Working with the amazing team at Universal allows us to push those boundaries even further. We couldn’t be more grateful to Donna, Peter, and Erik for their partnership, and we are looking forward to what the future holds together.”

The duo tied the knot in September 2020 and welcomed daughter Louise Jean in March 2021. Prior to marrying McCary, 42, Stone dated A Real Pain star Kieran Culkin as well as actor Andrew Garfield.

Culkin — who is nominated for an Oscar for his role in A Real Pain — said Stone was a major reason why he did the movie, admitting to Vogue in September 2024 that he almost dropped out due to family obligations. (He shares two young children with his wife Jazz Charton.)

He recalled talking to Stone just weeks before the shoot was due to start: “She goes: ‘If you don’t do it, the entire movie falls apart. But that’s not your responsibility. You shouldn’t feel that burden at all.’”

Culkin marveled at her approach: “She was nice enough to let me off the hook. So I guess I’m…in?”

When he flew to Poland to film, Stone made sure she and McCary were even on the same flight for extra support.