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On Saturday afternoon in the fog-shrouded Santa Monica, California, Jesse Eisenberg took home the Best Screenplay award for “A Real Pain” at the 40th Film Independent Spirit Awards. Giving a sincere acceptance speech, he was especially kind in his acknowledgment to Emma Stone, a film producer, naming her his “fairy godmother.”
Eisenberg and Stone first began working together in 2009 while filming “Zombieland.” Reflecting on their long history of friendship, Eisenberg recalled, “I met Emma when we were making ‘Zombieland’ together in 2009, and since then. She’s the only human, I’m including my mom in this, who would take little clips of [my work] over the last 15 years and send me things like, ‘This is such a great funny line!’” He cited Stone’s relentless support, stating, “She was, certainly still [is], the most well-known person I know, and yet also the most dedicated to helping me as a writer.”
Stone’s influence on Eisenberg’s career extends beyond their initial collaboration. She and her husband, Dave McCary, directed Eisenberg’s directorial work, “When You Finish Saving the World,” in 2022. In an interview with PEOPLE, Eisenberg described Stone, “I think about her not as my producer, but like a fairy godmother, that I am riding the coattails of her goodwill.” He went on to praise Stone’s dedication to financing independent film, commending her efforts to produce art movies with the goodwill she has accumulated over her career. “A Real Pain,” a road comedy-drama buddy film, stars Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin as ill-matched cousins who go on a tour of Jewish heritage in Poland. The movie received critical praise, with praise given to Eisenberg’s screenplay and Culkin’s supporting role. At the Spirit Awards, Culkin received the Best Supporting Performance award, adding to the success of the movie.
The 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards recognized diverse independent films and artists. Sean Baker’s “Anora” was the biggest winner, securing awards for Best Feature, Best Director, and Best Lead Performance by Mikey Madison. The party, famous for being friendly and relaxed in nature, is still committed to supporting independent film artists and creators.
Eisenberg’s acknowledgment of Stone emphasizes the importance of teamwork and mentorship in the film-making world. The two artists’ partnership is proof of how joint encouragement and support can lead to creative success and critical acclaim.
