The 2025 Oscars: Emma Stone and Margaret Qualley’s Viral Moment Explained

The 2025 Academy Awards was a night filled with glamour, emotion, and countless moments that kept fans buzzing long after the ceremony ended. Among the most talked-about moments was a brief but intense-looking exchange between Emma Stone and Margaret Qualley, which quickly went viral on social media. The clip showed Qualley animatedly talking to Stone, who appeared to back away, sparking speculation about a potential feud. However, according to lip reader Nicola Hickling, the interaction was far from confrontational.

The Lip Reader’s Insight: No Drama, Just Playful Banter

Nicola Hickling, a professional lip reader, analyzed the viral clip and revealed that the exchange between Stone and Qualley was anything but hostile. “Margaret says to Emma, ‘Yeah, and I am about to freak out,’” Hickling explained to the Daily Mail. This revelation quickly put rumors of a feud to rest. Despite the intense expressions and body language, the two actresses were simply engaging in playful banter, a dynamic that has become familiar to those who follow their interactions.

A History of Playful Exchanges Between the Two Actresses

This wasn’t the first time Stone and Qualley have shared a lighthearted moment in the public eye. At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, the two actresses were captured on camera playfully getting in each other’s faces and pretending to argue on the red carpet. The clip, shared on TikTok by Brut, showed them jokingly escalating their faux confrontation, much to the amusement of onlookers. This history of playful exchanges suggests that their Oscars moment was just another instance of their friendship and chemistry.

The Public’s Reaction: Confusion and Intrigue

The viral video of the Oscars interaction sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with fans quickly jumping to conclusions. “That was a bit aggressive! Need details,” one user commented, while another echoed, “I thought they were fighting .” Others were more lighthearted, with one fan joking, “Why is Emma backing away from her like that lol?” The speculation highlights how easily moments can be misinterpreted, especially in the high-pressure environment of live events like the Oscars.

The Context of the Interaction

For those familiar with Stone and Qualley’s friendship, the Oscars moment was less surprising. The two actresses have built a reputation for their fun and dynamic rapport, often showcasing their chemistry during public appearances. At the 2025 Oscars, Stone was a presenter, while Qualley took part in a James Bond tribute and supported her co-star Demi Moore’s nomination for The Substance. The ceremony also saw another viral moment involving Qualley’s husband, Jack Antonoff, whose reaction to Moore’s loss in the Best Actress category became a meme-worthy moment.

A Friendship That Keeps Us Smiling

In the end, the interaction between Emma Stone and Margaret Qualley at the 2025 Oscars serves as a reminder of the fun and camaraderie that often goes unnoticed in the high-stakes world of Hollywood. While fans may have initially been misled by the intensity of the moment, the explanation from the lip reader and the history of their playful dynamic paint a picture of two friends enjoying each other’s company. It’s a refreshing reminder that even in the spotlight, genuine friendship and humor can shine through.