Emma Stone Says Playing Billie Jean King Was a 'Pretty Powerful Experience' - Here's Why

Emma Stone is looking absolutely stunning on the cover of Marie Claire magazine’s September 2017 issue, on newsstands August 15.

Here’s what the 28-year-old actress had to share with the mag:

On what portraying Billie Jean King in Battle of the Sexes taught her: “I would say playing Billie Jean was a bit of a game changer. I am very nervous to communicate my opinions a lot of the time, especially publicly… She [Billie] is so direct and confident in the way that she communicates what she believes is right. To be able to step into that was a pretty powerful experience. It’s something that I still don’t feel entirely comfortable with, but it was also one of the great parts about playing her.”

On speaking out for equality: “There is so much power to our voices, and we need to speak out. That’s something that I struggled with in the past, but it’s very hard not to feel galvanized right now, politically or consciously.”

On what gives her hope during these uncertain political times: “Nobody is going down without a fight – for love and humanity and equality and coming together. It’s so inspiring to see marches and beautiful writing and creative work. There’s so much power and a grace coming out of so many people who have so much to lose, and the human spirit is incredible. That’s worth a fight every day. And I want to learn how to fight better.”

For more from Emma, visit MarieClaire.com.