Emma Stone, 37, surprised the public by appearing completely bald in the scenes of the film “Bugonia”, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, nominated for the Oscar for Best Film. But the question that remained in the audience’s mind was “did she really shave her hair during the scene?”. The answer is yes! The production did not use any special effects.
In the film, Stone plays a CEO who is kidnapped by two men obsessed with conspiracy theories. Criminals believe she is an alien with a mission to destroy Earth, and part of this story involves the character. The scene needed to be recorded in a single take, with multiple cameras strategically positioned, with no room for error.
Despite having known for over a year that she would have to shave her hair for the role, Emma Stone revealed to People magazine that she felt “a slight despair” when the moment for the transformation arrived. However, after the procedure, the experiment turned out to be surprisingly positive.
The actress described the moment as “one of the most liberating feelings in life” and stated that “there is no better feeling, especially the first shower after shaving your head.”
In a gesture of solidarity, Stone convinced director Yorgos Lanthimos to shave his hair as well. And it was the actress herself who performed the new director’s cut. To maintain the impact of the visual transformation, Emma hid her new look for months, using hats and wigs at public events, as she wanted the public to have the complete surprise when seeing the character for the first time on the big screen.
The film’s team promoted a very peculiar premiere in Los Angeles, in the United States, in October last year, and the invitation on social media established an unusual condition: only those who were already bald or bald could enter the screening. To make things easier, there was even a barber available at the entrance to the event, which resulted in a session full of bald spectators.
The team’s effort and dedication seem to be being recognized, as “Bugonia” is competing for: Best Film, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Soundtrack.
