The Oscar-winning actress stuns in Louis Vuitton at London’s EE British Academy Film Awards while fans speculate about a Disney sequel
LONDON — Emma Stone turned heads at the 2026 EE British Academy Film Awards on February 22, showcasing her status as a red-carpet style icon while reigniting talk of a possible return as Disney’s fashion-forward villain, Cruella.
The 37-year-old actress arrived in a sleek, custom black Louis Vuitton halter gown featuring a daring chest cutout and floor-length train, complemented by diamond studs and a matching bracelet. Her appearance coincided with a nomination for Best Actress for her performance in the dark comedy thriller Bugonia, directed by long-time collaborator Yorgos Lanthimos. This marks Stone’s sixth BAFTA nomination and adds to a career that includes two Academy Awards for La La Land (2017) and Poor Things (2023).
Behind the scenes, speculation about Cruella 2 is mounting. Insiders suggest both the studio and creative team are eager to move forward, with scheduling and script development reportedly the primary hurdles. Stone has expressed enthusiasm for reprising the role, describing it as “a blast” at the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Awards.
The original Cruella (2021) was a box-office hit, earning a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and strong Disney+ streaming numbers. While Disney has not officially confirmed production, sources indicate progress is underway, with filming potentially set to begin in the coming years.
Stone’s current projects reflect a balance between mainstream appeal and challenging roles. In Bugonia, she embraces a gender-flipped lead in a darkly absurd thriller, continuing her collaborations with Lanthimos, including Poor Things, Bleat, and The Favorite. With awards season in full swing and a possible Cruella return on the horizon, Emma Stone remains one of Hollywood’s most versatile and enduring stars.


