Jennifer Lawrence burst onto the scene in the early 2010s and transformed what it means to be an A-list actress in Hollywood. Forget the glamour and grandeur of old-school starlets – JLaw is relatable, funny, and unapologetically herself.
Jennifer Lawrence: A New Kind of Hollywood Royalty
Jennifer’s breakout role was Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games franchise. As the reluctant leader of a dystopian rebellion, Lawrence showed she could carry an action-packed blockbuster and brought a mix of toughness, vulnerability, and charisma to the part. The Hunger Games cemented her status as a household name and proven box office draw.
Lawrence scored her first Oscar nod for Winter’s Bone, a gritty indie drama where she held her own against a stellar ensemble cast. She took home the Best Actress award the following year for Silver Linings Playbook, a quirky romantic comedy where her performance was full of humour and heart.
On and off-screen, Lawrence is unfiltered, outspoken, and unafraid to call out inequality and sexism. She uses her platform to advocate for women’s rights and speaks her mind with a candour that’s rare in Hollywood. Refreshingly uncensored and unpretentious, Lawrence represents a new breed of movie star – and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
How Jennifer Lawrence Became America’s Sweetheart
Jennifer Lawrence became America’s sweetheart almost overnight. After her breakout role as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, Lawrence’s quick wit, self-deprecating humour, and girl-next-door relatability won over the hearts of audiences everywhere.
Lawrence grew up in Kentucky and knew from an early age she wanted to act. She convinced her parents to take her to New York City to find an agent, though they thought it unlikely a teenager from Kentucky could make it as an actress. But Lawrence proved them wrong, landing guest roles on TV shows like Medium and Monk before being cast as Ree Dolly in Winter’s Bone at 19. Her performance earned her first Oscar nomination and critical acclaim, gaining the attention of directors like David O. Russell.
Russell went on to direct Lawrence in three acclaimed films: Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, and Joy. Her memorable and layered performances in these films cemented her status as one of the most talented actresses of her generation and led to two more Oscar nominations.
Top 5 Jennifer Lawrence Movies You Should Watch
Jennifer Lawrence quickly rose to fame in the early 2010s and has since starred in many popular and critically acclaimed films. Here are five of her movies you absolutely must watch:
The Hunger Games (2012)
This popular YA dystopian film launched Jen to stardom. She plays Katniss Everdeen, a teen who volunteers for a brutal annual event where children fight to the death. The Hunger Games trilogy went on to become a global phenomenon and cemented Jen as a household name.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Jen’s first Oscar nomination came from this romantic dramedy where she stars alongside Bradley Cooper. She plays Tiffany, a widow with mental health issues who helps Pat (Cooper) reconnect with his ex-wife after leaving a mental institution. This quirky, offbeat cineb film showcases Jen’s comedic talents and range as an actress.
American Hustle (2013)
This crime dramedy, set in 1970s New Jersey, features an all-star cast including Jen, Bradley Cooper (again!), and Christian Bale. Jen plays Rosalyn, the unhinged wife of con man Irving Rosenfeld (Bale). Her performance earned her another Oscar nod and proves she can hold her own against heavyweight actors.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Jen joined the Marvel universe as Mystique, a shape-shifting mutant, in this X-Men film. She plays a young Raven Darkhölme/Mystique alongside James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. If you enjoy sci-fi action films with compelling characters, this movie (and the X-Men series in general) is a must-see.
Passengers (2016)
In this sci-fi romance, Jen stars opposite Chris Pratt as Aurora, a passenger on a spaceship travelling to a distant colony planet. After her hibernation pod malfunctions, she wakes up 90 years too early. This film explores life, love and what it means to be human in a visually stunning way. Jen and Pratt have a sizzling chemistry that will leave you wishing for a sequel.
