Audition (The Fools Who Dream)

Audition (The Fools Who Dream)

Emma Stone

“Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” is a song sung by Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, in the movie La La Land.
This song, specifically, explores just how brutal the auditioning process can be. The song was nominated for Best Original Song at the 89th Academy Awards, alongside “City of Stars”.

(minor spoiler follows)
Before this scene, Mia had decided to give up on acting altogether. However, she is drawn back to L.A. when she is invited to audition for a movie that would be a huge opportunity for her. The casting director was impressed after having seen Mia act in her one-woman show. The casting director explains that the film’s script isn’t finished yet, and Mia would be expected to help build her character from the ground up. For her audition, they ask her to tell a story to illustrate how she could contribute to the film’s creative process. Remembering the struggles she had faced throughout the movie, and the idealism that drew her to acting in the first place, Mia recites a story of her aunt – the woman who inspired her to take the leap, and convinced that her it wasn’t insanity, but bravery to follow her dreams.