The 2025 Oscars ceremony was a night filled with glamour, excitement, and unforgettable moments, but one interaction that quickly captured the attention of fans and media alike was a seemingly heated exchange between Emma Stone and Margaret Qualley. The two actresses, both known for their incredible talent and charismatic personalities, appeared to have a tense moment during the event, which was captured in a viral clip from Access Hollywood. However, as the story unfolded, it turned out that the interaction wasn’t quite what it seemed. Lip reader Nicola Hickling, who analyzed the viral footage, revealed that the exchange was far from confrontational. In fact, it was nothing more than a lighthearted and playful conversation between the two stars.
The clip in question showed Margaret Qualley walking toward Emma Stone, animatedly talking and nodding her head, while Stone appeared to back away slightly. Qualley’s husband, Jack Antonoff, was also present but didn’t seem to be involved in the interaction. According to Hickling, Margaret was actually saying to Emma, “Yeah, and I am about to freak out,” which suggests that the two were sharing a humorous and perhaps even exaggerated moment. Hickling further explained that Stone and Qualley have a history of playful exchanges at industry events, and this Oscars moment was just another example of their friendly banter. “They do this all the time,” Hickling said, emphasizing that there was no real tension between the two actresses.
This wasn’t the first time Emma Stone and Margaret Qualley had been spotted engaging in a jokingly aggressive interaction. At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, the pair had previously playfully gotten in each other’s faces on the red carpet, pretending to be in an argument. A TikTok video shared by Brut last May captured the lighthearted moment, showing the two actresses dramatically facing off as if they were about to clash. At the time, fans had also speculated about the nature of their exchange, with some believing it might have been more than just a joke. However, both actresses have consistently shown a strong and supportive relationship, both on and off the red carpet.
Despite the playful nature of their interaction at the Oscars, the viral clip sparked a wave of reactions from fans and social media users. Many viewers initially thought that the two actresses were genuinely upset with each other, with some even expressing concern or amusement at the apparent tension. Comments like “That was a bit aggressive! Need details,” “I thought they were fighting 😭😭😭,” and “Why is Emma backing away from her like that lol” flooded the internet. Others, however, picked up on the lighthearted tone of the exchange, with one user commenting, “For a moment I thought Margaret was ready to square up 🤣😅.” The mix of reactions highlighted how easily moments captured on camera can be misinterpreted, especially in the context of live events where emotions and body language can be amplified.
Emma Stone, who won the Best Actress award at the 2024 Oscars, was a presenter at this year’s ceremony, while Margaret Qualley took part in a dance routine for a James Bond tribute and supported her co-star Demi Moore’s nomination for The Substance. The event also saw its fair share of viral moments, including Jack Antonoff’s jaw-dropping reaction to Moore’s loss in the Best Actress category. Antonoff’s expression, captured on camera as Mikey Madison was announced as the winner for her role in Anora, quickly became a meme and talking point among fans. Despite the buzz surrounding these moments, however, the interaction between Stone and Qualley remained one of the most discussed topics in the days following the ceremony.
In the end, the misunderstanding surrounding Emma Stone and Margaret Qualley’s Oscars interaction served as a reminder of how quickly viral moments can take on a life of their own. While the clip initially appeared to show a tense exchange, the reality, as revealed by Nicola Hickling, was far more lighthearted and playful. The incident also highlighted the strong and supportive relationship between the two actresses, who have clearly built a bond over their years in the industry. As the dust settled, the moment became less about any supposed drama and more about the joy and camaraderie that often exist behind the scenes of Hollywood’s biggest events. In a world where every gesture is scrutinized, it’s refreshing to see that even in the spotlight, celebrities can share a laugh and a playful exchange without it being misconstrued as something more serious.
