Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) is a black comedy-drama film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. Emma Stone plays the role of Sam Thomson, the daughter of a washed-up actor played by Michael Keaton. The film follows the backstage drama of a Broadway play and explores themes of ego, identity, and the pursuit of artistic validation. Emma Stone's performance in Birdman earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.