Exclusive Interview: Emilia Jones Talks ‘Winner,’ Collaborating with the Real Life Reality, and More

Emilia Jones is an award-winning actress and a true standout in the industry. Celebrated for her extraordinary ability to fully immerse herself in roles and move audiences with raw emotion, she has left an indelible mark with her unforgettable performances in CODA, Locke & Key, and Cat Person. Her talent for bringing complex characters to life has made her one of the most compelling stars of her generation.

Her latest project, Winner, continues to showcase her exceptional range. Based on a true story, Emilia takes on the role of Reality Winner, a brilliant yet unconventional young woman from Texas. After teaching herself Arabic to serve in the Middle East, Reality joins the Air Force but quickly becomes disillusioned. While working as an NSA contractor, she uncovers classified information about Russia’s involvement in the 2016 election. Torn between staying silent and exposing the truth, she chooses to leak the information, leading to her trial and historic sentencing for espionage.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Emilia about Winner, what it was like collaborating with the real-life Reality, and more.

PC: In your preparation to play Reality, you had the chance to meet with her. How did those conversations reinforce the creative decisions you wanted to make? Were there new discoveries from those discussions that you couldn’t have gained from just the script and research?
Emilia: When I first learned about Reality and her story, I Googled her. I found a lot about her name and what she did, but not much about who she was as a person. When I read the script, I found it quite funny. I was a bit surprised. Then, when I flew to Kingsville to meet her, I understood why the script had humor—she’s a hilarious person. She’s so funny, quick-witted, and sharp. I had a great time getting to know her on a personal level. I got to meet all the animals she rescues, and I even joined her CrossFit and yoga classes. I had tons of questions for her, but I also got to know her as a person. It was perfect because that’s what we aimed to do with this film—humanize Reality and show that she’s much more than just a name and a headline. She’s a funny person in a serious situation.

PC: And with a great sense of style as well. As you were saying, for many audiences, Reality is just a headline, but this film does such a fantastic job humanizing a woman who had nothing to gain and everything to lose. It also shows how her actions impacted not just her, but those closest to her. Her relationships with her family are so nuanced, and there’s such a star-studded cast involved in this project. How did you build those familial bonds with everyone, considering how specific and unique each dynamic is?
Emilia: We all understood how close Reality and her family were, and we wanted to reflect that as best as we could. We were really fortunate because we all got along so well. Zach [Galifianakis], Connie [Britton], Kathryn [Newton], and I are like family. Zach was hilarious—he constantly had Kathryn and me laughing. Connie was always checking in, making sure we were okay and seeing if we needed anything. She’s such a mom. Kathryn and I were like sisters, and we’re very different. I’m more of a tomboy, while Kathryn is gorgeous and elegant. We all connected really well, and I feel incredibly lucky. Danny [Ramirez] too—I’ve known him for ages, and we’ve always been looking for something to work on together, and this was it. We had a great time getting to know each other and discussing our roles. We also had the opportunity to talk to the real people. Connie spoke with Billie Winner, Kathryn talked to Brittany, and I got to speak with Reality. It was really enjoyable bringing these characters to life. It’s so rewarding when you can draw from a real person and ask them direct questions like, “How were you feeling in that situation?” Often, people are feeling one thing but saying another, and it was fun for all of us to explore that.

PC: Reality has so much conviction and a strong sense of self, but you also get to show her vulnerability, which is so innately human, especially in the aftermath of her decisions. Was that something you discussed with her? As a storyteller, how do you create the space to tackle that contrast?
Emilia: Yes, exactly. As we were discussing earlier, Reality is a really funny person in a serious situation. Meeting her and getting to know her personally was incredibly helpful for me to navigate that in my performance. Often, humor is a coping mechanism for people, and that was true for her. It was a challenge because you don’t want to be too funny in a serious situation or too serious when you’re playing someone who uses humor to cope. It was a delicate balance, and it was fun to explore that, especially with Reality guiding me along the way.

PC: There’s also a beautiful sentiment about family in this film, especially when Reality seems to have no fight left. So often, when we don’t have the strength ourselves, we turn to our community. Who in your own life has shown up for you in a similar way?
Emilia: My family—always. I’m a real family girl. Reality and I bonded over that and our families. Our mums even met at Sundance, which was a really special moment for both of us. We’ve talked about them in depth, so watching them meet was really cool. My family has always been there for me. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. They’re incredibly supportive and have always encouraged me to pursue what I love. I feel really lucky to be so close to them. Reality is also very close with her family, and that was one of the ways we really connected.

PC: Susanna [Fogel] directed this project, and you’ve worked with her before. How did that preexisting trust and shorthand allow you to take more risks with your performances, especially given the film’s blend of different genres? How have you both pushed each other creatively?
Emilia: I loved working with Susanna on Cat Person. She’s amazing. So when Winner came to me, I jumped at the chance to do it because I love Susanna and her work as a director. I knew she would really tell Reality’s story and do it justice.

It was such a fun experience working on Winner with Susanna because we already knew each other so well. She really pushed me. When you work with a director for the first time, you’re still figuring out each other’s styles. But with Susanna, we had that shorthand. I don’t get offended easily, and Susanna understood that. By the time we did Winner, she could be direct with me. Sometimes I’d just look at her, and I knew exactly what she wanted or needed. That familiarity cut out a lot of back-and-forth. She knew how to challenge me, and I’m grateful for that. Like I said, I love a challenge, and she really pushed me in this role. I’d love to work with her again and again.

PC: You definitely should. One of the beautiful things about independent filmmaking is having that shorthand, and everyone’s there for the right reasons. You’ve worked on projects of different sizes. What excites you about independent filmmaking as a creative and storyteller?
Emilia: That’s a really good question. Independent filmmaking is such a challenge from start to finish. It brings out a rawness that’s really exciting to see on screen. There’s so much passion involved. A lot of the time, you’re running on four hours of sleep, up at 4 a.m. in the middle of a cold field, and no one’s getting paid—but everyone’s there because they love the material. They love the story we’re telling. That energy is so exciting to be part of, and I think it shows on screen. With Winner, we often only had two takes, which made everything feel very organic. I love a challenge, and I will always have a soft spot for indie filmmaking. I love the stories being told, and I always learn something new on an indie set.

When an indie film comes my way, I’m always thinking, “Oh my gosh, I’m going to learn so much from this.” Take CODA for example—it was a true indie project. We didn’t have Apple behind us from the start. I learned a whole new language and how to fish! If someone had told me, when it was 3 a.m., four miles out at sea, covered in fish guts, that the film was going to win an Oscar, I would’ve said, “No way.” But it’s so rewarding. When an indie film does well, it feels amazing because you’ve put so much into it.

PC: You mentioned Sundance earlier. Reality and her family were actually there and received a well-deserved standing ovation. How special was it for you to share that moment and know that the performances you all gave made her more than just a headline?
Emilia: I got really emotional because I know what Reality went through, and I feel like I truly know her. Billie, Reality’s mom, is so proud of her. Watching them share that moment together, with everyone standing and applauding, was incredibly special for me. I felt so grateful to be part of that, to help show people who Reality is as a person, beyond just a headline. She’s so much more than that. There’s no one like Reality—she’s truly unique, and I’m so happy she’s in my life. We send memes to each other all the time. She’s really inspired me.

PC: You’ve mentioned in previous interviews how rare it is for someone like Reality to come into your life and the impact she’s had on you. Can you talk a bit more about how that friendship has influenced you moving forward?
Emilia: Reality has definitely made me rethink how I approach things and how I live my life. There are very few people who truly stand up for what they believe in and are willing to do whatever it takes. I’m someone who tends to let life play out and see what happens, but she’s not like that at all. It’s such an amazing, remarkable, and admirable way to be, and I aspire to be more like that.

To keep up with Emilia, follow her on Instagram. Winner is available wherever you stream movies.