Jennifer Lawrence is one of the most successful and popular actresses in Hollywood today.
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, she has made a name for herself with her outstanding performances on screen, earning numerous awards and nominations along the way. Despite her rise to fame, Lawrence remains grounded and connected to her roots, often speaking fondly of her hometown and the impact it had on her life.
Let’s take a closer look at Jennifer Lawrence’s ties to Louisville and how her hometown has influenced her career and personal life.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jennifer Lawrence was born on August 15, 1990, in Indian Hills, Kentucky, a suburb of Louisville. She grew up in a close-knit family with her parents, Karen and Gary Lawrence, and two older brothers, Ben and Blaine. From an early age, Lawrence showed a keen interest in acting, performing in local theater productions and school plays. After graduating from high school, she pursued a career in acting, landing small roles in television shows and films before eventually moving to Los Angeles to further her career.
Breakthrough Success
Lawrence’s big break came when she landed the role of Ree Dolly in the independent film “Winter’s Bone” (2010). Her performance earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. This recognition launched her into the spotlight, leading to more prominent roles in films like “X-Men: First Class” (2011) and “The Hunger Games” series (2012-2015). These movies cemented Lawrence’s status as a rising star, but she remained humble and true to her roots.
Ties to Louisville
Despite achieving international success, Jennifer Lawrence has never forgotten her connections to Louisville, Kentucky. She frequently speaks about the influence the city had on her life and career. In interviews, she often mentions the supportive community and rich cultural experiences that shaped her artistic vision. Lawrence credits the Louisville theater scene for nurturing her passion for acting, saying, “I owe everything to the Louisville theater community. They embraced me when I was just starting out and gave me the opportunity to learn and grow.”
One of Lawrence’s closest relationships with the city is through her work with the Louisville-based nonprofit organization, Fund for the Arts. The organization aims to promote arts education and accessibility throughout the community. Lawrence has been involved with the fund since its inception and has actively participated in various events and campaigns, including hosting a benefit concert in 2014. She has also donated funds and resources to support local arts initiatives, emphasizing the importance of preserving creative expression in her hometown.
In addition to her involvement with Fund for the Arts, Lawrence has shown her commitment to Louisville by investing in the local business community. In 2018, she opened a coffee shop called Joe’s Coffee Shop in the trendy NuLu neighborhood. The shop quickly became a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, serving as a testament to Lawrence’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to revitalizing the city’s vibrant culture.
Personal Life and Impact
Jennifer Lawrence’s connection to Louisville extends beyond her professional endeavors. She maintains strong ties with her family, who still reside in the area. Her parents, Karen and Gary, are longtime supporters of their daughter’s career, attending red carpet events and cheering her on from the sidelines. Lawrence’s love for her hometown is evident in the way she speaks about it, often sharing stories about her childhood memories and favorite places in Louisville.
Moreover, Lawrence’s success has inspired young people in Louisville and beyond, showcasing the possibilities of pursuing one’s passions and dreams. She serves as a positive role model, encouraging others to embrace their individuality and work hard towards their goals. Through her philanthropic efforts, she has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to the community that supported her growth and development.
Lawrence’s ties to Louisville, Kentucky, run deep, reflecting the values and artistic sensibilities that define her as an artist and human being. Her connection to her hometown has played a significant role in her journey to stardom, providing a foundation for her creativity and sense of purpose.
As she continues to excel in her career, Lawrence remains committed to using her platform to make a positive impact on the world. She has spoken out on various social and political issues, such as gender equality, mental health, and environmental conservation. In 2015, she wrote an essay for Lenny Letter titled “Why Do I Make Less Than My Male Co-Stars?” where she discussed the gender pay gap in Hollywood and advocated for equal compensation for women.
Lawrence has also used her influence to support charitable causes, particularly those related to children and education. In 2016, she partnered with the United Nations to launch the “Girl Up” campaign, which aimed to empower adolescent girls around the world. She has also worked with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the American Red Cross to support youth development programs.
In addition to her humanitarian work, Lawrence has continued to push boundaries in her acting career. In 2017, she starred in Darren Aronofsky’s psychological horror film “mother!,” which received mixed reviews but solidified her reputation as a daring and versatile performer.
The following year, she appeared in the critically acclaimed “Red Sparrow,” playing a Russian ballerina turned spy.
In 2020, Lawrence starred in Adam McKay’s comedy-drama “Don’t Look Up,” alongside a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, and Meryl Streep. The film tackled themes of climate change and government corruption, further demonstrating Lawrence’s willingness to address pressing social issues through her work.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Jennifer Lawrence has received numerous awards and nominations for her performances. Some of her notable accolades include:
Academy Awards
- Best Actress in a Leading Role (Silver Linings Playbook, 2013)
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role (American Hustle, 2014)
Golden Globe Awards
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama (Winter’s Bone, 2011)
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture (American Hustle, 2014)
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Joy, 2016)
Screen Actors Guild Awards
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role (Silver Linings Playbook, 2013)
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (American Hustle, 2014)
BAFTA Awards
- Best Actress (Silver Linings Playbook, 2013)
- Best Supporting Actress (American Hustle, 2014)
These honors demonstrate Lawrence’s consistent excellence in her craft and her ability to captivate audiences with her diverse range of characters.
Pop Culture
Jennifer Lawrence’s impact on pop culture extends beyond her acting career. She has become a fashion icon, gracing the covers of top magazines and walking the red carpet in stunning outfits. Her relatable personality and down-to-earth demeanor have endeared her to fans, making her a beloved figure in contemporary entertainment.
Lawrence’s influence can be seen in various aspects of media and society, such as:
- Fashion: Her style has inspired countless articles, blog posts, and social media discussions. Brands and designers clamor to dress her for high-profile events, and her looks often set trends in the fashion industry.
- Social Media: With millions of followers across different platforms, Lawrence engages with her audience and shares behind-the-scenes glimpses into her life and work. Her relatability and authenticity have helped create a loyal fan base.
- Body Image: Lawrence has been open about body image issues and the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards in Hollywood. Her advocacy has contributed to a larger conversation about self-acceptance and diversity in media representation.
- Women’s Empowerment: Through her roles, public appearances, and statements, Lawrence promotes female empowerment and challenges traditional gender norms. She has used her platform to raise awareness about issues such as equal pay, sexual harassment, and reproductive rights. In 2015, she wrote an essay for Lenny Letter titled “Why Do I Make Less Than My Male Co-Stars?” where she discussed the gender pay gap in Hollywood and advocated for equal compensation for women.
Lawrence has also been recognized for her philanthropic work, particularly in the field of education. In 2016, she founded the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation, which aims to provide financial support to students and schools in underserved communities. She has also worked with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the American Red Cross to support youth development programs.
In addition to her acting and philanthropic work, Lawrence has also made headlines for her personal life. She has been in a high-profile relationship with actor Cooke Maroney since 2018, and the couple got engaged in February 2020. Lawrence has been open about her struggles with anxiety and stress, and has talked about the importance of taking time for herself and prioritizing her well-being.
Looking ahead, Lawrence is set to star in several upcoming projects, including the drama “Mob Girl” and the comedy “The Rosie Project”. She has also expressed interest in directing and producing her own films, and has already begun working on her directorial debut, a comedy titled “Project X”.
With her talent, charm, and dedication to using her platform for good, Jennifer Lawrence is sure to continue inspiring and delighting audiences for years to come. Whether she’s starring in a blockbuster franchise or using her voice to advocate for important causes, Lawrence is a true Hollywood superstar.
The basics from Wikipedia
Jennifer Shrader Lawrence (born August 15, 1990) is an American actress. She is known for starring in both action film franchises and independent dramas, and her films have grossed over $6 billion worldwide. The world’s highest-paid actress in 2015 and 2016, she appeared in Time‘s 100 most influential people in the world list in 2013 and the Forbes Celebrity 100 list from 2013 to 2016.
Lawrence began her career as a teenager with guest roles on television. Her first major role was as a main cast member on the sitcom The Bill Engvall Show (2007–2009). She made her film debut with a supporting role in the drama Garden Party (2008), and had her breakthrough playing a poverty-stricken teenager in the independent film Winter’s Bone (2010). Lawrence gained stardom portraying the mutant Mystique in the X-Men film series (2011–2019) and Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games film series (2012–2015). The latter made her the highest-grossing action heroine.
Lawrence collaborated with filmmaker David O. Russell on three films, which earned her various accolades. For portraying a troubled young widow in the romance Silver Linings Playbook (2012), she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, becoming the second-youngest winner in the category at age 22. Lawrence won the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for playing an unpredictable wife in the black comedy American Hustle (2013). She also received Golden Globe Awards for both, and for portraying businesswoman Joy Mangano in the biopic Joy (2015). A series of mixed reviewed films and the media scrutiny of her role choices led to a small break from acting. Lawrence returned with the streaming film Don’t Look Up (2021), after which she produced and starred in the drama Causeway (2022) and the comedy No Hard Feelings (2023).
Lawrence is a feminist and advocates for women’s reproductive rights.[2] In 2015, she founded the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation, which advocates for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Special Olympics. Lawrence formed the production company Excellent Cadaver in 2018. She is an active member of the nonpartisan nonprofit anti-corruption organization RepresentUs and has served as a spokesperson in its videos about protecting democracy.[3][4]
Early life and education
Jennifer Shrader Lawrence was born on August 15, 1990, in Indian Hills, Kentucky, to Gary, a construction company owner, and Karen (née Koch), a summer camp manager.[5][6][7] She has two older brothers, Ben and Blaine.[6] Her mother raised her to be “tough” like her brothers, and would not allow her to play with other girls in preschool, as she deemed her “too rough” with them.[8] Lawrence was educated at the Kammerer Middle School in Louisville.[8] She did not enjoy her childhood due to hyperactivity and social anxiety, and considered herself a misfit among her peers.[6][9] Lawrence has said that her anxieties vanished when performing on stage and that acting gave her a sense of accomplishment.[9]Her school activities included cheerleading, softball, field hockey and basketball, which she played on a boys’ team coached by her father.[8]
Growing up, Lawrence was fond of horseback riding and frequently visited a local horse farm.[10] She has an injured tailbone as a result of being thrown from a horse.[11] When her father worked from home, she performed for him, often dressing up as a clown or ballerina.[12] Lawrence had her first acting assignment at age nine, playing a prostitute in a church play based on the Book of Jonah. For the next few years, she continued taking parts in church plays and school musicals.[8]
Lawrence was 14 and on a family vacation in New York City when she was spotted on the street by a talent scout, who arranged for her to audition for talent agents.[13][14] Her mother was not keen on her pursuing an acting career, but she briefly moved her family to New York to let Lawrence read for roles.[8] After her first cold reading, the agents said that hers was the best they had heard from someone so young; however, her mother convinced her that they were lying.[14] Lawrence said her early experiences were difficult because she felt lonely and friendless.[8] She signed with CESD Talent Agency, which convinced her parents to let her audition for roles in Los Angeles. While her mother encouraged her to go into modeling, she insisted on pursuing acting,[15] which she considered a “natural fit” for her abilities, and turned down several modeling offers.[13] She dropped out of school at 14 without receiving a General Educational Development (GED) or diploma. Lawrence has described herself as “self-educated” and said that her career was her priority.[16]Between her acting jobs in the city, she made regular visits to Louisville, where she was an assistant nurse at her mother’s camp.[17]
Early roles and breakthrough (2006–2010)
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Lawrence began her acting career with a minor role in the TV pilot Company Town (2006), which was never sold.[18] She followed it with guest roles in several television shows, including Monk (2006) and Medium (2007).[19] She received her first part as a series regular on the TBS sitcom The Bill Engvall Show, in which she played Lauren, the rebellious teenage daughter of a family living in suburban Louisville, Colorado.[19] The series premiered in 2007 and ran for three seasons.[20]Tom Shales of The Washington Post considered her a scene stealer in her part, and David Hinckley of the New York Daily News wrote that she was successful in “deliver[ing] the perpetual exasperation of teenage girls”.[21][22] In 2009 Lawrence won a Young Artist Award for Outstanding Young Performer in a TV Series for the role.[23]
Lawrence made her film debut in the 2008 drama film Garden Party, in which she played a troubled teenager named Tiff.[24] She then appeared in director Guillermo Arriaga‘s feature film debut The Burning Plain (2008), a drama narrated in a hyperlink format. She was cast as the teenage daughter of Kim Basinger‘s character, who discovers her mother’s extramarital affair. She shared the role with Charlize Theron, who played the older version of her character. Mark Feeney of The Boston Globe described her role as “a thankless task”, but Derek Elley of Variety praised her as the production’s prime asset.[25][26] Her performance earned her the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Emerging Actress at the 2008 Venice Film Festival.[27] The same year, she appeared in the music video for the song “The Mess I Made” by Parachute.[28] In 2008, she starred in Lori Petty‘s drama The Poker House as the oldest of three sisters living with a drug-abusing mother.[29][30] Stephen Farber of The Hollywood Reporter opined that Lawrence “has a touching poise on camera that conveys the resilience of children”.[31] She won an Outstanding Performance Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival for her performance in the film.[32]
Lawrence’s breakthrough role came in Debra Granik‘s independent drama Winter’s Bone (2010), based on the novel of the same name by Daniel Woodrell. The film featured her as 17-year-old Ree Dolly, a poverty-stricken teenage girl in the Ozark Mountains who cares for her mentally ill mother and younger siblings while searching for her missing father. She traveled to the Ozarks a week before filming began to live with the family on whom the story was based, and in preparation for the role, she learned to fight, skin squirrels, and chop wood.[33][34] David Denby of The New Yorker asserted that the film “would be unimaginable with anyone less charismatic”,[35] and Peter Travers of Rolling Stone wrote that “her performance is more than acting; it’s a gathering storm. Lawrence’s eyes are a roadmap to what’s tearing Ree apart.”[36] The production won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.[37] The actress was awarded the National Board of Review Award for Breakthrough Performance, and received her first nominations for the Golden Globe Award, SAG Award and Academy Award for Best Actress, becoming the second-youngest Best Actress Oscar nominee at the time.[38][39][40]
Worldwide recognition (2011–2013)
In 2011, Lawrence took on a supporting role in Like Crazy, a romantic drama about long-distance relationships, starring Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones.[41] Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times considered the film to be an “intensely wrought and immensely satisfying love story” and credited all three performers for “making their [characters’] yearning palpable”.[42] She then appeared again with Yelchin in Jodie Foster‘s The Beaver, alongside Foster and Mel Gibson. Filmed in 2009, the production was delayed due to controversy concerning Gibson and earned less than half of its $21 million budget.[43][44]
After her dramatic role in Winter’s Bone, Lawrence looked for something less serious, and found it with her first high-profile release—Matthew Vaughn‘s superhero film X-Men: First Class (2011)—a prequel to the X-Men film series.[45] She portrayed the shapeshifting mutant Mystique, a role played by Rebecca Romijn in the earlier films.[46] Vaughn cast Lawrence, as he thought that she would be able to portray the weakness and strength involved in the character’s transformation.[47] For the part, Lawrence lost weight and practiced yoga.[48] For Mystique’s blue form, she had to undergo eight hours of makeup, where latex pieces and body paint were applied to her otherwise nude body,[49] as Romijn had done on the other films. This process required Lawrence to report to set at 2 a.m.[50] She was intimidated in the role as she admired Romijn.[51] Writing for USA Today, Claudia Puig considered the film to be a “classy re-boot” of the film series, and believed that her “high-spirited performance” empowered the film.[52] With worldwide earnings of $350 million, X-Men: First Class became Lawrence’s highest-grossing film at that point.[53]
In 2012, Lawrence starred as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, an adaptation of the first book in author Suzanne Collins‘ trilogy of the same name. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the series tells the story of the teenage heroine Everdeen as she joins rebel forces against a totalitarian government after winning a brutal televised annual event. Despite being an admirer of the books, Lawrence was initially hesitant to accept the part, because of the grand scale of the film. She agreed to the project after her mother convinced her to take the part.[54] She practiced archery, rock and tree climbing, and hand-to-hand combat techniques, and other physically demanding activities for the role.[8][55][56] While training for the part, she injured herself running into a wall.[57]The Hunger Games garnered positive reviews, with Lawrence’s portrayal of Everdeen being particularly praised;[58] Roger Ebert described the film as “an effective entertainment,” and found Lawrence to be “strong and convincing in the central role.”[59] Similarly, Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reportercalled her an “ideal screen actress”, believing that she had embodied the Everdeen of the novel, and added that she “anchors [the film] with impressive gravity and presence”.[60] With worldwide revenues of over $690 million,[53] The Hunger Games became a top-grossing film featuring a female lead,[61]making Lawrence the highest-grossing action heroine of all time.[62] The film’s success established her as a global star.[63]
Later in 2012, Lawrence played Tiffany Maxwell, a troubled young widow, in David O. Russell‘s romantic comedy-drama Silver Linings Playbook. The film is an adaptation of Matthew Quick‘s novel of the same name, and follows her character as she finds companionship with Pat Solitano Jr. (played by Bradley Cooper), a man with bipolar disorder.[64][65] Lawrence was drawn to her character’s complex personality, explaining, “She was just kind of this mysterious enigma to me because she didn’t really fit any basic kind of character profile. Somebody who is very forceful and bullheaded is normally very insecure, but she isn’t.”[66] While Russell initially found her too young for the part, she convinced him to cast her via a Skype audition.[54] She found herself challenged by Russell’s spontaneity as a director, and described working on the project as the “best experience of [her] life”.[54] Richard Corliss of Time magazine wrote: “Just 21 when the movie was shot, Lawrence is that rare young actress who plays, who is, grown-up. Sullen and sultry, she lends a mature intelligence to any role.”[67] Peter Travers called her “some kind of miracle. She’s rude, dirty, funny, foulmouthed, sloppy, sexy, vibrant, and vulnerable, sometimes all in the same scene, even in the same breath.”[68] Lawrence won the Golden Globe, SAG Award and the Academy Award for Best Actress, becoming—at age 22—the second-youngest Best Actress Oscar winner.[69] Her final film of the year was alongside Max Thieriot and Elisabeth Shue in Mark Tonderai‘s critically panned thriller House at the End of the Street.[70]
In January 2013, she hosted an episode of the NBC late-night sketch comedy Saturday Night Live.[71] The Devil You Know, a small-scale production that Lawrence had filmed for in 2005, was her first release of 2013.[72] She then reprised the role of Everdeen in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the second installment in the Hunger Games series.[73] While performing the film’s underwater stunts, Lawrence suffered from an ear infection that resulted in a brief loss of hearing.[57] Writing for The Village Voice, Stephanie Zacharek believed that the actress’ portrayal of Everdeen made her an ideal role model, stating that “there’s no sanctimony or pretense of false modesty in the way Lawrence plays her.”[74] With box office earnings of $865 million, Catching Fire remains her highest-grossing film.[53]
In the same year, Lawrence took on a supporting role in David O. Russell’s ensemble black comedy crime American Hustle as Rosalyn Rosenfeld, the neurotic wife of con man Irving Rosenfeld (played by Christian Bale). Inspired by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s Abscam sting operation, the film is set against the backdrop of political corruption in 1970s New Jersey.[75][76] She did little research for the role, and based her performance on knowledge of the era from films and television shows she had watched.[63] Geoffrey Macnab of The Independent found Lawrence to be “brilliant”, “funny and acerbic” in her part, and highlighted an improvised scene in which she aggressively kisses her husband’s mistress (played by Amy Adams) on the lips.[75] For her performance, she won the Golden Globe and BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress, and received her third Screen Actors Guild Award and Academy Award nominations, her first in the supporting category. This made her the youngest actor to accrue three Oscar nominations.[77][78]
Established actress and career fluctuations (2014–2019)
Lawrence played Serena Pemberton in Susanne Bier‘s depression-era drama Serena (2014), based on the novel of the same name by Ron Rash. In the film, she and her husband George (played by Bradley Cooper) become involved in criminal activities after realizing that they cannot bear children.[79] The project was filmed in 2012, and was released in 2014 to poor reviews.[80][81] Lawrence then reprised the role of Mystique in X-Men: Days of Future Past, which served as a sequel to both X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) and X-Men: First Class (2011). The film received positive reviews and grossed $748.1 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film in the X-Men series to that point.[82][83] Justin Changof Variety praised her look in the film but thought she had little to do but “glower, snarl and let the f/x artists do their thing”.[84]
Lawrence’s next two releases were the final installments of The Hunger Games film series, Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014) and Part 2 (2015).[85] For the soundtrack of the former film, she recorded the song “The Hanging Tree“,[86] which charted on multiple international singles charts.[87] In a review of the final installment in the series, Manohla Dargis of The New York Times drew similarities between Everdeen’s journey as a rebel leader and Lawrence’s rise to stardom, stating that the actress “now inhabits the role as effortlessly as breathing, partly because, like all great stars, she seems to be playing a version of her ‘real’ self.”[88] Both films grossed over $650 million worldwide.[53]
Lawrence worked with David O. Russell for the third time on the biopic Joy (2015), in which she played the eponymous character, a troubled single mother who becomes a successful businesswoman after inventing the Miracle Mop.[89] During production in Boston, the press reported on a disagreement between Lawrence and Russell that resulted in a “screaming match”. She said their friendship made it easier for them to disagree, because people fight when they really love each other.[90] The film was not as well-received as their previous collaborations, but Lawrence’s performance was unanimously praised;[91] critic Richard Roeper found it to be her best work since Winter’s Bone, terming it “a wonderfully layered performance that carries the film through its rough spots and sometime dubious detours.”[92] She won her third Golden Globe for it, and was nominated for another Academy Award for Best Actress, becoming the youngest actor in history to accrue four Oscar nominations.[93]
Lawrence began 2016 by providing the narration for A Beautiful Planet, a documentary film that explores Earth from the International Space Station.[94] She played Mystique for the third time in X-Men: Apocalypse (2016). The film received mixed reviews, with a consensus that it was overfilled with action that detracted from the story’s themes and the cast’s performances.[95] Helen O’Hara of Empire deemed it a letdown from the previous installments of the series and criticized Lawrence for making her character too grim.[96] Despite this, she was awarded Favorite Movie Actress at the 43rd People’s Choice Awards.[97] Lawrence was paid $20 million to star in the science fiction romance Passengers (2016), and received top billing over co-star Chris Pratt.[98][99] The film featured Pratt and Lawrence as two individuals who wake up ninety years too soon from an induced hibernation on a spaceship bound for a new planet. She felt nervous performing her first sex scene and kissing a married man (Pratt) onscreen; she drank alcohol to prepare herself for filming those scenes.[100] Passengers was met with underwhelming reviews, much to the surprise of its cast and crew, but Lawrence initially defended the film by calling it a “tainted, complicated love story.”[101][102] She later expressed regret over starring in the film.[1]
Darren Aronofsky‘s psychological horror film Mother! was Lawrence’s sole release of 2017. She played a young wife who experiences trauma when her home is invaded by unexpected guests. Lawrence spent three months rehearsing the film in a warehouse in Brooklyn, despite her reluctance to rehearsals in her previous assignments.[103] The intense role proved grueling for her; she was put on supplemental oxygen when she hyperventilated one day, and also dislocated a rib.[103] Mother! polarized audiences and prompted mass walkouts.[104] The film was better received by critics;[105] Walter Addiego of the San Francisco Chronicle labeled it “assaultive” and a “deliberate test of audience endurance”, and credited Lawrence for “never allow[ing] herself to be reduced simply to a howling victim.”[106]
The following year, she starred as Dominika Egorova, a Russian spy who makes contact with a mysterious Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent (played by Joel Edgerton), in Francis Lawrence’s espionage thriller Red Sparrow, based on Jason Matthews’ novel of the same name.[107] In preparation for the part, she learned to speak in a Russian accent and trained in ballet for four months.[108] Having been the victim of a nude photo hack, the actress found herself challenged by the sexuality in her role but said that performing the nude scenes made her feel empowered.[109] Eric Kohn of IndieWire disliked the film’s denouement, but praised the performances of Lawrence and Charlotte Rampling, remarking that “the considerable talent on display is [the film’s] constant saving grace.”[110] In 2019, Lawrence made her fourth and final appearance as Mystique, in the superhero film Dark Phoenix, which emerged as a critical and box-office failure.[111][112]
Hiatus and return to film (2019–present)
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Following roles in a series of mixed reviewed films, Lawrence took a small break from acting. She felt unsatisfied with her films, wanted to avoid media scrutiny, and focused on domestic activities during this period. Wanting to work with director Adam McKay since she was 19, Lawrence returned in 2021 in his film Don’t Look Up for Netflix for a reported fee of $25 million.[113] A “slapstick apocalypse”, the film had her and costar Leonardo DiCaprio play two astronomers attempting to warn humanity about an extinction-level asteroid.[114] For the role, Lawrence received a red dye job and an undercut. In an interview with Vogue, she said that she extensively researched the typical look of aspiring astrophysicists.[115] Reviews for the film were mixed, but critics mostly praised the performances of Lawrence and DiCaprio,[116] who were described as “powerhouse” by Ian Sandwell of Digital Spy and “a delight to watch” by Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV.[117][118] Lawrence earned a fifth Golden Globe nomination for the film.[119] It broke the record for the most views, 152 million hours in a single week in Netflix history, and ranks as the platform’s second most-watched film within 28 days of release.[120][121]
Lawrence starred in Lila Neugebauer‘s independent drama Causeway (2022), playing a soldier suffering from a brain injury.[122] She also produced the film under her company Excellent Cadaver, which she had formed in 2018.[123] After starring in several big-budget films, she was drawn to the “slow melody of a character-driven story”.[124] Comparing it to her work in Winter’s Bone, Allison Wilmore of Vulture opined that the film “is a welcome reminder of how compelling Lawrence can be, as well as a promising indication that she’s willing to seek out smaller projects and work with emerging directors”.[125]
Under Excellent Cadaver, Lawrence produced Bread and Roses (2023), a documentary film from director Sahra Mani about Afghan women under Talibanrule.[126] Keen to work in a comedy, Lawrence accepted her friend Gene Stupnitsky‘s offer to star in his sex comedy No Hard Feelings (2023), which she also produced.[127] She played a young woman facing bankruptcy who accepts a Craigslist posting from wealthy parents to date their introverted 19-year-old son (played by Andrew Barth Feldman). Reviewers had favorable opinions on the film, and appreciated Lawrence’s comic timing.[128]
Artistry and public image
In 2012, the review website IndieWire described Lawrence’s off-screen persona as “down-to-earth, self-deprecating, unaffected”.[129] Adam McKay, who directed Lawrence in Don’t Look Up, considered her “a strong, funny truth-teller”. “No one has more beautiful anger than Jen,” McKay said. “When she unleashes, it is a sight to behold.”[113] An IGN writer described her as a “sharp”, “funny” and “quirky” actress who liked to “stay grounded” despite her considerable success.[130] Lawrence has said she finds acting “stupid” in comparison to life-saving professions like doctors, and therefore does not believe in being “cocky” about her accomplishments.[131]
In 2012, Rolling Stone called Lawrence “the most talented young actress in America”.[8] Her The Hunger Games co-star Donald Sutherland found her an “exquisite and brilliant actor”, and favorably compared her craft to that of Laurence Olivier.[132] David O. Russell, who directed Lawrence in Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle and Joy, has said that her acting “is effortless and she makes it look easy”.[133] She has played roles in both high-profile, mainstream productions and low-budget independent films, and appeared in a range of film genres.[130] Lawrence did not study acting and has not been involved in professional theater.[14] She bases her acting approach on her observations of people around her.[134]Lawrence said in 2010 that she did not “invest any of my real emotions” or take home any of her characters’ pain. She went on to say that “I don’t even take it to craft services” and has never shared her characters’ experiences, relying instead on her imagination: “I can’t go around looking for roles that are exactly like my life.” Lawrence also added “If it ever came down to the point where, to make a part better, I had to lose a little bit of my sanity, I wouldn’t do it. I would just do comedies.”[14]
Lawrence has become one of the world’s highest-paid actresses. The Daily Telegraph reported in 2014 that she was earning $10 million per film.[135] In 2013, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world,[136] Elle labeled her the most powerful woman in the entertainment business,[137] and Forbes ranked her as the second most powerful actress, behind only Angelina Jolie.[138] In 2014, Forbes listed Lawrence as the second-highest-paid actress in the world with earnings of $34 million,[139] and named her as the most powerful actress, ranking at number 12 on the magazine’s Celebrity 100 list. She appeared on the list again in 2015 and 2016.[140][141][142] In 2015, Lawrence was named “Entertainer of the Year” by Entertainment Weekly—a title she also won in 2012[143][144]—and was recognized as the highest-grossing action heroine in Guinness World Records for starring in The Hunger Games series.[145] In 2015 and 2016, Forbes ranked her as the world’s highest-paid actress, with annual earnings of $52 million and $46 million, respectively.[146] In the following two years, it ranked her as the world’s third and fourth highest-paid actress, with respective earnings of $24 million and $18 million.[147][148] The Hollywood Reporter listed Lawrence among the 100 most powerful people in entertainment from 2016 to 2018.[149] As of 2019, her films have grossed over $6 billion worldwide.[53]
Lawrence appeared on Victoria’s Secret‘s listing of the “Sexiest Up-and-Coming Bombshell” in 2011,[150] People‘s Most Beautiful People in 2011 and 2013,[151] Maxim‘s Hot 100 from 2011 to 2014,[152] and was placed at number one on FHM‘s 100 Sexiest Women list in 2014.[153] From 2013 to 2015, she was featured on Glamour‘s annual listing of the best dressed women, topping the list in 2014.[154] During Raf Simons‘s tenure at Dior,[155] Lawrence became a celebrity ambassador for the brand, appearing in advertisement campaigns for its fashion and perfumes. She frequently wears Dior to red carpet events such as film premieres and award ceremonies. She wore a custom Dior bridal gown on her wedding day.[156]
Other ventures
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Lawrence identifies as a feminist, a concept she argues should not intimidate people “because it just means equality”.[157]She has promoted body positivity among women.[158] In 2015, she wrote an essay for Lenny Letter criticizing the gender pay gap in Hollywood, describing her own experiences in the industry, such as the lesser pay she received for her work on American Hustle in comparison to her male co-stars.[159] In a 2015 interview with Vogue, she condemned Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis for her opposition to same-sex marriage.[90] Lawrence was raised a Republican and voted for John McCain in the 2008 presidential election, but has since been critical of the party.[160] Lawrence strongly opposed Donald Trump‘s presidency, stating in 2015 that his election would “be the end of the world”.[161] She endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.[162]
Lawrence joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2011.[163] She has lent her support to several charitable organizations, such as the World Food Programme, Feeding America, and the Thirst Project.[130] Along with her The Hunger Games co-stars Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, she partnered with the United Nations to publicize poverty and hunger.[164] She organized an early screening of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) to benefit Saint Mary’s Center, a disabilities organization in Louisville, and raised more than $40,000 for the cause.[165] She partnered with the charity broadcast network Chideo to raise funds for the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games by screening her film Serena (2014).[166] She also collaborated with Omaze to host a fundraising contest for the games as part of the premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014).[167]
In 2015, Lawrence teamed with Hutcherson and Hemsworth for Prank It FWD, a charitable initiative to raise money for the nonprofit organization DoSomething.[168] That year, she also launched the Jennifer Lawrence Foundation, which supports charities such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Americaand the Special Olympics.[169] In 2016, she donated $2 million to the Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville to set up a cardiac intensive care unit named after her foundation.[170] She is a board member of RepresentUs, a nonprofit seeking to pass anti-corruption laws in the United States.[171] In 2018, she collaborated with 300 women in Hollywood to set up the Time’s Up initiative to protect women from harassment and discrimination,[172] and took part in the 2018 Women’s March in Los Angeles.[173] In 2018, Lawrence spoke out in support of retaining ranked-choice voting in Maine.[174]
Personal life
During filming of X-Men: First Class in 2010, Lawrence began dating her co-star Nicholas Hoult. Their relationship ended around the time they wrapped filming X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2014.[175][176] In September 2016, she began dating filmmaker Darren Aronofsky after they had met during filming of Mother![177] They broke up in November 2017.[178]
In 2018, she began a relationship with Cooke Maroney, an art gallery director. They became engaged in February 2019[179][180] and married that October in Rhode Island.[181] As of May 2019, they reside in the Lower Manhattan area of New York City and in Beverly Hills, California.[182] In February 2022, Lawrence gave birth to their son, Cy.[124]
Lawrence was one of the victims of the 2014 celebrity nude photo leak, in which several private nude pictures of her were hacked and posted online.[183]She emphasized that the photos were never meant to go public, calling the leak a “sex crime” and a “sexual violation”, and added that viewers of the images should be ashamed of themselves for “perpetuating a sexual offense”.[184] Lawrence further said her pictures had been intended for Hoult during their relationship, and that unlike other victims of the incident, she did not plan to sue Apple Inc.[175]
Filmography
Film
| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Monk | Mascot | Episode: “Mr. Monk and the Big Game“ |
| 2007 | Cold Case | Abby Bradford | Episode: “A Dollar, a Dream” |
| 2007–2008 | Medium | Young Allison / Claire Chase | 2 episodes |
| 2007–2009 | The Bill Engvall Show | Lauren Pearson | Main role |
| 2013 | Saturday Night Live | Herself (host) | Episode: “Jennifer Lawrence/The Lumineers“ |
| 2017 | Jimmy Kimmel Live | Herself (host) | Episode: “November 2, 2017” |
Music videos
Accolades
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Jennifer Lawrence
Lawrence won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Silver Linings Playbook (2012). She has won three Golden Globe Awards; Best Actress – Comedy or Musical for Silver Linings Playbook (2012) and Joy (2015), and Best Supporting Actress for American Hustle (2013). She also won a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for American Hustle.[69][78][93] Her other accolades include seven MTV Movie Awards (five for The Hunger Games series, two for Silver Linings Playbook),[186] six People’s Choice Awards (three for The Hunger Games, three for the X-Men series),[187][97]a Satellite Award for Silver Linings Playbook,[188] and a Saturn Award for The Hunger Games.[189]