When you think of Emma Stone, you probably picture her in witty comedies like Easy A or her Oscar-winning turn in La La Land. But in 2018, she took on one of her most complex roles yet — Abigail Masham in The Favourite. This darkly funny and twisted period drama showed us a whole new side of Stone, proving she can play layered characters who are both charming and ruthless.
In this post, we’ll get into the historical Abigail, Emma Stone’s performance, and why Emma Stone Abigail is one of her most memorable roles.
Who Was Abigail Masham in Real Life?
Abigail Masham was a real person in 18th-century England. Born Abigail Hill, she was a cousin of Sarah Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough, and eventually became a close friend of Queen Anne. As her relationship with the Queen deepened, her power at court grew.
In The Favourite, Abigail’s real life is reimagined with a sharp satirical twist — fact mixed with fiction.
Emma Stone as Abigail in The Favourite
When Yorgos Lanthimos cast Emma Stone as Abigail, many were wondering. Could the actress known for her funny warmth play a court insider? The answer was yes.
Stone brought charm and subtle menace to the role. Her Abigail starts off as a sympathetic character, a servant desperate to survive, and then reveals her manipulative and ambitious side as the story goes on.
Abigail’s Story
Abigail’s journey is a great character arc:
- She starts at the bottom of the social ladder, humiliated and as a scullery maid.
- She slowly wins Queen Anne’s trust, navigating palace politics cleverly.
- Her rivalry with Sarah (Rachel Weisz) is the emotional and dramatic heart of the film.
The character is so dual – vulnerable and cunning, kind and ruthless – that Abigail is one of the most memorable characters in recent movies.
Emma Stone’s Performance
Critics loved how Stone layered Abigail with wit, charm, and menace. One minute she’s soft spoken and innocent, the next she’s calculating her next move.
Some of the best scenes are:
- Abigail’s first meeting with Queen Anne was where her cleverness shone through.
- The tense rivalry with Sarah is full of snappy dialogue and psychological warfare.
- The quiet and powerful final moments ware here her ambition comes full circle.
That’s why Emma Stone as Abigail was so great.
Awards & Noms
Emma Stone was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress alongside Rachel Weisz, who played Sarah. While Olivia Colman won Best Actress, Stone’s nomination solidified her as one of the best actresses of her generation.
The film itself won several awards, including Best Actress for Colman and 10 Oscar nominations overall.
Impact on Emma Stone’s Career
Before The Favourite, Emma Stone was mostly known for comedies and rom-coms. Playing Abigail let her get into darker, more complicated territory. This role showed her range and that she could hold her own with Olivia Colman and Rachel Weisz.
In short, Emma Stone Abigail was a game-changer — cementing her as an actress who can leave a mark long after the credits roll.
Conclusion
Emma Stone’s Abigail Masham in The Favourite is one of her boldest and most interesting roles. She got both the vulnerability and the ruthlessness of a woman navigating power in a treacherous court and left us both mesmerized and uncomfortable.
If La La Land showed Emma Stone’s heart, The Favourite showed her teeth — and that’s what makes her one of the most versatile stars in Hollywood.
FAQs About Emma Stone Abigail
1. Who was Abigail Masham in real life?
Abigail Masham was Queen Anne’s confidante and a key player in the politics of early 18th-century England.
2. Did Emma Stone win an Oscar for playing Abigail?
No, but she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2019 Oscars.
3. What makes Emma Stone’s Abigail so memorable?
Her charm, vulnerability, and ruthless ambition.
4. How did The Favourite impact Emma Stone’s career?
It showed her range and moved her beyond lighthearted roles, and made her a force to be reckoned with as a dramatic actress.
5. Who else was in The Favourite?
Also starring were Olivia Colman as Queen Anne and Rachel Weisz as Sarah Churchill, both of whom were amazing.
