‘I Can Use My Movie Star-ness For Good’ – Jennifer Lawrence Opens Up About Supporting Emerging Female Filmmakers!

Jennifer Lawrence, an actress who rose to global prominence with The Hunger Games franchise, is no stranger to the spotlight. However, as she continues to evolve in her career, Lawrence is now shifting her focus to something she feels passionately about: empowering women in the film industry. While her on-screen performances have earned her a reputation as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, Lawrence is now stepping into a role behind the camera to help pave the way for more female voices to be heard.

In a recent conversation with Cameron Diaz for Interview magazine, Lawrence reflected on the evolving landscape of the film world, particularly the increasing presence of women in leadership roles. “I can’t speak for every woman but there’s this extra gusto,” Lawrence shared. “You want to prove yourself, and you’ve had to do everything the hard way for a really, really long time. So you’re just used to not being able to ask somebody to do something for you.” This sentiment resonates with many women in the industry, who, for years, have had to carve out their own space in a male-dominated environment.

A Changing Industry: From Auditions to Filmmaking

Lawrence’s journey to success didn’t come easily. She recalls the early days of her career, when she first entered the world of filmmaking. “It was always this recycled pool over and over again,” she said. “It was kind of like, you have to be successful to get successful. I remember feeling that way getting into filmmaking.” These early struggles shaped Lawrence’s perspective on the industry, helping her understand the importance of perseverance and resilience in an often competitive field.

However, over the years, Lawrence’s confidence has grown, and she now finds herself looking at the filmmaking process through a different lens. She expressed a shift in her perspective, moving from concerns about the barriers she faced to a belief in the power of storytelling. “The harder thing is, ‘We’ve got this great story. Who can direct it?’” she said. This shift in focus, from worrying about success to prioritizing the strength of the story, marks a significant evolution in Lawrence’s approach to her career.

A Career Behind the Camera

Lawrence is now embracing her role as a producer, taking on projects like Causeway and her latest film, No Hard Feelings. As she transitions into this new phase, she continues to advocate for the importance of women taking on leadership roles in film production. Her efforts reflect her desire to not only perform but to also create opportunities for new voices in the industry, especially first-time directors.

“When it comes to first-time directors, they don’t scare me because I trust my experience,” Lawrence explained. “And that empowers us to work with more people that haven’t had the opportunity yet.” Lawrence’s openness to collaborating with fresh talent demonstrates her commitment to fostering an environment of growth and opportunity for those still navigating their way through the industry.

Using Her Star Power for Good

As a major Hollywood figure, Lawrence is aware of her influence and how she can use her platform to help elevate others. When discussing her relationship with first-time directors on set, she emphasized how she can leverage her “movie star-ness” to make the process smoother for those just starting out. “I can use my movie star-ness for good,” she said. “You know, anything that the creative process wants, or a first-time director wants, I can just blame it on me.” This lighthearted yet meaningful approach showcases Lawrence’s willingness to take on responsibility in a way that benefits the entire production team.

Looking Forward

As Lawrence continues to navigate her career both in front of and behind the camera, her commitment to empowering female filmmakers remains a cornerstone of her work. Her upcoming film, No Hard Feelings, which marks her first acting role since Causeway, is set to hit theaters on June 23, 2023. The film stars Lawrence alongside Natalie Morales and Andrew Barth Feldman, and promises to showcase her versatility once again as both an actress and a producer.

With each new project, Lawrence is proving that she is more than just a talented actress—she is a driving force for change in an industry that is evolving in exciting ways. By mentoring first-time directors, advocating for women in the film industry, and using her influence to create opportunities for others, Lawrence is setting the stage for the next generation of female filmmakers to thrive.