Emma Stone says her career hit bottom in 2006. The good news, as Vanity Fair makes clear in its cover story, is that she's come a long way since.

Showing off her bikini body in the new issue, the 22-year-old actress actress opens up about one self-esteem crushing audition back in the day.

After auditioning for the role of Claire on NBC's Heroes, Stone heard, "You're our pick … You are amazing. On a scale of 1 to 10 you’re an 11.’”

Unfortunately, producers were talking about Hayden Panettiere.

“I went home and just had this meltdown,” she says, calling the experience “rock bottom.” Of course, when one door closes, many more open.

“I did Superbad in 2007.” she says. “I would’ve missed that opportunity, and had I missed that opportunity, I wouldn’t be here right now.”

Seems like it worked out for the best. Stone is starring in the upcoming flicks The Amazing Spider-Man, The Help and Crazy Stupid Love.

Read about them all at our new site, Movie Fanatic!