Emma Stone Steals the Spotlight with a Popcorn-Inspired Look at SNL50

Hollywood’s brightest stars gathered in New York City on February 17, 2025, for SNL50: The Anniversary Special, a celebration of five decades of Saturday Night Live. While the night was filled with nostalgia and laughter, it was Emma Stone who stole the spotlight with a playful and symbolic fashion statement.

The actress, a five-time SNL host and Oscar winner, arrived in a custom Louis Vuitton halterneck dress that was impossible to ignore. The gown, in cinema-seat red, featured two oversized pockets filled with popcorn. Instead of a typical evening clutch, she carried a candy-striped popcorn box, embracing the concept of a “popcorn actress” in a literal and stylish way.

Stone completed the ensemble with matching Louis Vuitton heels, gold star-shaped earrings, and a chic pixie haircut, rumored to be for her upcoming film Bugonia. Her look struck a balance between fashion and fun, making it one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.

The meaning behind her choice may run deeper than just whimsy. Earlier in the year, Demi Moore’s Golden Globes acceptance speech reignited a discussion about how Hollywood labels its actors. Moore, who won Best Actress for her role in The Substance, spoke about the term “popcorn actress”—a label often given to performers known for box office hits rather than prestige films. By incorporating popcorn into her outfit, Stone seemed to be turning the term into an empowering message. Her career has exemplified versatility, with critically acclaimed performances in films like La La Land and Poor Things, alongside mainstream hits such as Easy A and Cruella.

The lighthearted nature of her outfit was further highlighted in a red carpet interaction with Seth Rogen. Always one to bring humor to events, Rogen reached into Stone’s dress pockets for a handful of popcorn, much to the delight of onlookers. Vogue even playfully questioned whether the popcorn was sweet or salted, buttered or toffee. Regardless, the moment captured the fun-loving spirit of the night.

Other celebrities also dazzled on the red carpet. Blake Lively stunned in a floral-inspired ensemble that signaled the arrival of spring fashion, while Zoe Saldaña turned heads across the Atlantic at the BAFTAs. She won Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Perez while wearing a pleated-collar Yves Saint Laurent gown that showcased timeless sophistication.

Emma Stone has long been known for her bold fashion choices. From her elegant eggshell Louis Vuitton gown at the 2024 Oscars to her red shelf-hipped dress at the 2025 Golden Globes, she has proven time and again that she is unafraid to experiment. However, her popcorn-inspired look at SNL50 may be her most playful and conversation-starting moment yet.

Beyond the fashion, SNL50 was a night filled with nostalgia, celebrating the show’s legendary impact on comedy and entertainment. Stone holds a personal connection to the show—she met her husband, filmmaker Dave McCary, while hosting SNL in 2016. The two have since become one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples.

As the industry continues to evolve, Stone’s audacious fashion choice at SNL50 serves as a reminder that artists cannot be confined to rigid labels. Whether in critically acclaimed dramas, blockbuster hits, or standing on the red carpet in a gown filled with popcorn, she remains a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.