Why Jennifer Lawrence Says ‘Have Kids If You Want to Be an Actor’—Inside Her Shocking Cannes Confession

CANNES, France — Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, co-stars in Lynne Ramsay’s haunting Competition entry Die, My Love, opened up at the film’s Cannes press conference about the profound impact parenthood has had on their lives—and their approach to acting.

Lawrence, who leads the film as a woman grappling with psychosis in rural America, was candid about the creative transformation motherhood has sparked in her. “Having children changes everything, it changes your whole life, it’s brutal and incredible,” she reflected. “Not only do they go into every decision of if I’m working, where, when—I didn’t know that I could feel so much. My job has a lot to do with emotion. They’ve opened up the world to me. It’s almost like feeling like a blister, so sensitive. They’ve changed my life for the best, and they’ve changed me creatively. I highly recommend having kids if you want to be an actor.”

Pattinson, who stars opposite Lawrence as her husband, echoed her sentiments—though with a dose of humility and humor. “Having a baby gives you the biggest trove of energy and inspiration,” he began, only to be interrupted by Lawrence’s quick-witted “You get energy?!” He laughed, “This question is impossible for a guy to answer correctly! What Jennifer said—I’m here just to support!” Still, Pattinson noted, “It has reinvigorated the way I approach work. You’re a completely different person the next day.”

The candid conversation shed light on how real-life parenthood has helped both actors tap into new wells of vulnerability and depth—qualities essential to Die, My Love’s harrowing exploration of love, illness, and isolation. The film, which premiered Saturday night, features an acclaimed ensemble cast including LaKeith Stanfield, Sissy Spacek, and Nick Nolte.

Lawrence also recounted the intense challenges on set, particularly a nude scene on the very first day of filming. “The day before our first day, Lynne showed Rob and I a scene from If…. It was these actors, and they’re attacking each other like tigers. And [Ramsay] said, ‘And you’ll do it naked, yeah?’ That was the first day,” Lawrence shared, shaking her head at the memory.

The press conference included some levity as director Ramsay joked with paparazzi—“Who’s got the nicest camera?”—and teased a future project with Spacek. “Sissy always plays parts with such love, we’re planning to make a movie where she’s a serial killer next,” Ramsay quipped.

Die, My Love marks Ramsay’s fourth time in Official Selection at Cannes, following Ratcatcher, We Need To Talk About Kevin, and You Were Never Really Here. But at this year’s festival, it’s the raw honesty about parenthood from Lawrence and Pattinson that stole the show—reminding audiences that life off-screen, with all its beauty and chaos, is what ultimately fuels the most unforgettable performances.