Here’s why we think the news about Emma Stone’s next movie is a clue she’ll nab a 2018 Oscar nomination

The 2017 Oscars are *barely* in our rearview mirrors, but we’re already predicting a best actress contender for the 2018 awards show. And surprise, surprise, it’s Emma Stone for her work in the upcoming biopic, Battle of the Sexes. If you caught La La Land or any other recent Stone flick, for that matter, then you know Emma’s acting chops are seriously on-point. But her latest transformation into the ’70s tennis champ is going to be next-level good, even for her.

The latest news is that this film is out Sept. 22, which is an Oscars-eligible release date. So we can officially start crossing our fingers and toes for the 28-year-old actress. Fresh off her recent sweep of best actress nods from the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and the Academy Awards, Emma’s certainly in-demand these days. And while it seems a ways off, her appearance in this biopic will be her first onscreen spot since La La Land hit theaters.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BR6V0DYDL2N

There’s no doubt that this biopic has the makings of an Oscar winner. Emma is starring opposite the one and only, Steve Carell, who will harness the role of Wimbledon-champ Bobby Riggs. Also, biopics are total Oscar bait.

Then, there’s also the fact that Little Miss Sunshine‘s Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris directed it. So yeah, we’d feel comfortable betting on this A-list packed production.

For those unfamiliar with the story, the biopic chronicles the 1973 competition between 29-year-old Billie Jean King and 55-year-old veteran athlete Bobby Riggs as the two duke it out in a male-female tennis battle.

Emma’s been vocal about the physical demands of playing a world-renowned athlete, admitting she packed on 15-pounds of muscle for the role. Whew, that’s impressive!

Alright folks, go ahead and mark your calendars for Sept. 22. It’ll be here before you know it, and we can guarantee you won’t want to miss this sure-to-be-nominated flick!