Emma Stone and Margaret Qualley’s seemingly heated interaction at the 2025 Oscars was not what it seemed, according to lip reader Nicola Hickling.
“It looks like Margaret is about to square up in this scene, giving Emma her mean girl look,” Hickling told the Daily Mail of the viral clip of the pair’s exchange at the Academy Awards on March 2.
Despite appearing to be a confrontational moment between Qualley and Stone, Hickling said, “Don’t worry, they are not fighting though.
“In fact, Margaret says to Emma, ‘Yeah, and I am about to freak out.’”
In the video, the “Substance” star is seen walking toward Stone while talking animatedly and nodding her head as the “La La Land” actress backs away.
Qualley’s husband, Jack Antonoff, is standing close to the duo but doesn’t participate in the interaction.
“They do this all the time,” Hickling explained to the Daily Mail, referring to Stone and Qualley’s previous exchanges at industry events.“They do this all the time,” Hickling explained to the Daily Mail, referring to Stone and Qualley’s previous exchanges at industry events.“That was a bit aggressive! Need details,” one netizen commented on the viral TikTok video, while another echoed, “I thought they were fightingMeanwhile a third fan asked, “Why is Emma backing away from her like that lol.”
A fourth social media user echoed Hickling, commenting, “For a moment i thought Margaret was ready to square upA fourth social media user echoed Hickling, commenting, “For a moment i thought Margaret was ready to square up