La battaglia dei sessi

In 'Battle of the Sexes,' Emma Stone portrays Billie Jean King, the legendary tennis player who challenged societal norms and gender discrimination by competing in the highly publicized 1973 tennis match against Bobby Riggs. This role stands out in Stone's career as it showcases her ability to embody a real-life figure who played a pivotal role in both sports and social history, blending her skills in drama with a socially conscious narrative. Compared to her earlier work, such as the whimsical and comedic roles in 'Easy A' or 'Crazy, Stupid, Love,' and even her Oscar-winning performance in the musical 'La La Land,' this performance demanded a deeper engagement with themes of feminism, equality, and activism. Stone's portrayal was praised for its nuance and emotional depth, marking a mature milestone in her career and highlighting her versatility as an actress beyond more lighthearted or fictional roles.

Elisabeth Shue played a pivotal role in the 2017 film 'Battle of the Sexes,' portraying Betty Stöve, a talented Dutch tennis player and Billie Jean King's doubles partner. Her performance was praised for its authenticity and nuance, effectively capturing the complex dynamics on and off the tennis court. What made Shue's portrayal unique was her ability to embody Stöve's competitive spirit and grace, adding depth to the film's exploration of gender politics in sports. A lesser-known fact about Shue's involvement is that she underwent rigorous tennis training to convincingly perform the sport, including mastering specific serves and volleys to match Stöve's playing style, which significantly contributed to the film's realistic depiction of tennis matches.