Emilia Jones is one of the most talented young actresses in Hollywood today. Best known for her extraordinary performance in the Oscar-winning film CODA, Jones has proven herself to be an actress with remarkable emotional depth, versatility, and poise well beyond her years. From her early beginnings on stage to her rise as an internationally acclaimed performer, her journey is a perfect blend of passion, dedication, and natural talent.
This article explores Emilia Jones’s life, career, background, achievements, and what makes her one of the most promising stars of her generation.
Early Life and Background
Family and Childhood
Emilia Annis I. Jones was born on February 23, 2002, in Westminster, London, England. She comes from a creative family — her father, Aled Jones, is a renowned Welsh singer and television presenter, best known for his performance of Walking in the Air, while her mother, Claire Fossett, works in the creative arts as well. Growing up in a home filled with music, performance, and creativity, Emilia was introduced to the world of entertainment at an early age.
Education and Early Interests
Emilia’s early education was balanced with her growing interest in acting and music. She attended a local school in London while also training in acting and performance arts. Her parents, understanding her artistic inclination, supported her dream to pursue acting from a young age.
Jones often credits her family for encouraging her to follow her passions while also emphasizing the importance of education and humility — values that continue to shape her personality today.
The Beginning of Her Acting Career
First Roles and Early Exposure
Emilia Jones made her acting debut at just eight years old in the 2010 film One Day, starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess. Though her role was small, it marked the beginning of an impressive career trajectory.
Her early work included guest roles in television series such as Doctor Who (2013), where she appeared in the episode “The Rings of Akhaten.” This role earned her recognition among British TV audiences and gave her the opportunity to work in a world-famous franchise, an invaluable experience for a young actress.
Theatre Experience
In addition to television and film, Emilia has a strong background in theatre. She performed at London’s prestigious West End in the stage production of Shrek the Musical as Princess Fiona, a role that required singing, dancing, and acting — showcasing her diverse talents.
She also performed in Turn of the Screw at the Almeida Theatre, where critics praised her performance for its maturity and emotional resonance. Her theatre experience laid a solid foundation for her screen acting, giving her a deeper understanding of character work and stage presence.
Breakthrough Role: CODA
The Role That Changed Everything
Emilia Jones’s breakthrough came in 2021 with her stunning performance in the Apple TV+ film CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). Directed by Sian Heder, the film tells the story of Ruby Rossi, a hearing teenager in a deaf family, torn between helping her family’s struggling fishing business and pursuing her passion for singing.
Jones’s portrayal of Ruby was nothing short of extraordinary. To prepare for the role, Emilia learned American Sign Language (ASL) and underwent months of vocal training. Her performance was both heartfelt and authentic, earning her critical acclaim and a nomination for several major awards.
Critical and Commercial Success
CODA premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation and won several major awards, including the U.S. Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award. Later, the film made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2022 — the first film from a streaming service (Apple TV+) to achieve this honor.
Critics and fans praised Emilia for her emotional depth, natural performance, and ability to convey the challenges of bridging two worlds — the hearing and the deaf communities. Her role in CODA marked her as one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars.
Beyond CODA: Expanding Her Horizons
Other Film Roles
Before and after CODA, Emilia Jones appeared in several other notable films:
Brimstone (2016) – A dark Western thriller where she starred alongside Guy Pearce and Dakota Fanning. Jones’s performance as young Joanna showcased her ability to handle complex and emotionally demanding roles.
Ghostland (2018) – A psychological horror film where Emilia portrayed Beth, a young girl traumatized by a violent home invasion. Her gripping performance earned praise for its intensity and realism.
Cat Person (2023) – A drama based on the viral New Yorker short story, in which Jones starred as Margot, a college student navigating a complicated relationship. The film explored modern dating dynamics and showcased Emilia’s maturity as an actress.
Television Roles
Emilia gained further recognition for her role as Kinsey Locke in Netflix’s fantasy-horror series Locke & Key (2020–2022). The show, based on the comic book series by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez, follows the Locke siblings as they uncover magical keys in their ancestral home.
Her portrayal of Kinsey, a character dealing with grief, fear, and empowerment, allowed Emilia to explore a wide range of emotions. The series became a major hit for Netflix and further established her as a leading actress in young adult entertainment.
Acting Style and Technique
Naturalism and Emotional Depth
Emilia Jones’s acting is often described as naturalistic and emotionally grounded. She brings authenticity to her characters by connecting deeply with their emotions and experiences. Her ability to convey vulnerability, strength, and determination simultaneously sets her apart from many of her peers.
Dedication to Preparation
For every role, Emilia invests heavily in preparation. For CODA, she not only learned ASL but also spent time with the deaf community to understand their experiences. Similarly, for her other roles, she has undergone extensive research and training to ensure her performances are both credible and compelling.
Musical Talent
Emilia is also an accomplished singer, which played a significant role in CODA. Her rendition of “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell was one of the most memorable moments in the film, showcasing her pure, emotive voice. She has expressed interest in incorporating more music into her future projects.
Personal Life and Interests
Personality and Lifestyle
Despite her fame, Emilia Jones is known for her grounded and humble personality. She prefers to keep her private life out of the spotlight, focusing instead on her craft.
In interviews, she often speaks about her love for music, fashion, and storytelling. She enjoys traveling, photography, and spending time with family and friends when not filming.
Balancing Fame and Normalcy
Emilia has managed to maintain a sense of normalcy despite her growing fame. She credits her family for keeping her grounded and focused. Her strong work ethic and respect for her colleagues have earned her admiration across the film industry.
Awards and Recognition
Major Awards and Nominations
Emilia Jones’s work has not gone unnoticed. Some of her major awards and nominations include:
BAFTA Film Award Nomination for Best Actress (CODA)
Critics’ Choice Movie Award Nomination for Best Young Actor/Actress
Sundance Film Festival Award (as part of the CODA ensemble)
Hollywood Critics Association Award for Breakthrough Performance
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (CODA)
Her growing list of accolades highlights her influence and contribution to contemporary cinema.
Future Projects and Career Outlook
Upcoming Films and Series
As of recent reports, Emilia Jones has been attached to several upcoming projects, including adaptations of popular novels and original dramas. Her expanding range of roles indicates her intent to explore more complex and challenging characters.
Hollywood insiders believe she could become one of the defining actresses of her generation — joining the ranks of stars like Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy.
Long-Term Vision
In interviews, Emilia has expressed her desire to not only act but also explore writing and directing in the future. She’s passionate about telling meaningful stories, especially those that highlight underrepresented voices.
With her talent, determination, and authenticity, it’s clear that Emilia Jones’s journey in film and television has only just begun.
Impact and Influence
Role Model for Young Artists
Emilia Jones serves as a role model for aspiring actors and artists worldwide. Her commitment to learning, humility, and emotional honesty sets a strong example.
Contribution to Representation
Through CODA, Emilia helped bring attention to the deaf community and the importance of inclusive storytelling in Hollywood. Her collaboration with deaf actors like Troy Kotsur and Marlee Matlin demonstrated the power of authentic representation.
Her work continues to inspire discussions about diversity, empathy, and accessibility in film.
Conclusion
Emilia Jones is a remarkable young talent whose career is defined by dedication, intelligence, and heart. From her early days in British theatre to her global breakout in CODA, she has continually proven her ability to embody complex characters with grace and realism.
Her humility, artistic vision, and devotion to authentic storytelling make her one of the most exciting figures in modern cinema. As she continues to grow and evolve, audiences can look forward to many more powerful performances from this rising star.
(FAQs)
Who is Emilia Jones?
Emilia Jones is a British actress and singer best known for her role as Ruby Rossi in the Oscar-winning film CODA and as Kinsey Locke in the Netflix series Locke & Key.
How old is Emilia Jones?
Emilia Jones was born on February 23, 2002, making her 23 years old as of 2025.
Who are Emilia Jones’s parents?
Her father is Aled Jones, a famous Welsh singer and broadcaster, and her mother is Claire Fossett.
What awards has Emilia Jones won?
She has won several awards, including the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Ensemble (CODA), and has received nominations for BAFTA and Critics’ Choice Awards.
Is Emilia Jones a singer too?
Yes, Emilia is an accomplished singer. She performed all of her own songs in CODA and continues to showcase her musical talent in various projects.
