Let me preface this post by saying that I have been a fan of
Jennifer Lawrence long before she signed on to play the pivotal role in the
world’s most popular franchise. And even longer before she earned an Oscar for
her riveting portrayal of Tiffany in Silver Linings Playbook. I suffered
through enough episodes of the Bill Engvall Show to consider myself a true fan.
Clearly I have an eye for talent because the world is now smitten with the ‘JLaw.’
Since the Oscars, there have been hundreds of articles
revolved around explaining why people want Jennifer Lawrence as a best friend.
And while each expresses numerous valid points, to an extent, the articles are just
celebrity opinions of other celebrities. I mean, sure, the writers at EW and
People probably aren’t bombarded for autographs on a daily basis but in no way
are they entirely normal. They have an audience of millions while most “normal”
people can only bank on their opinions being seen by their Facebook friends.
So, with that being said, here are some reasons why an
average citizen thinks that Jennifer Lawrence is far more than just a Best
Actress.
1. There’s No Pedestal
Simply typing, “Jennifer Lawrence
GIFs” into Google will quickly explain reason #1 as to why Jennifer Lawrence is
awesome. Unlike the pretentious A-List actors who strive to portray themselves
in a specific manner, Lawrence is refreshing in the sense that she knows just
as well as anyone that her job is just that. In no interview does Lawrence
evoke a superior than thou attitude because, as voiced in multiple magazine
excerpts, she is fully aware that acting is far lower on the importance scale
than surgeon or firefighter. - 'Not to sound rude, but [acting] is stupid. Everybody’s like,
'How can you remain with a level head?' And I’m like, 'Why would I ever get
cocky? I’m not saving anybody’s life. There are doctors who save lives and
firemen who run into burning buildings. I’m making movies. It’s
stupid.'' The Vanity Fair excerpt perfectly sums up Lawrence's take on the perception of Hollywood Lawrence has expressed
astonishment to people’s reactions to her, which is nice to see. Often stunned
by the fact that screaming fans are screaming for her and not Oprah, Lawrence
tends to laugh at the prospect that, to the younger generation, she’s a far
bigger deal than O. There is no Hollywood persona that Lawrence tries to
uphold. She is who she is and has no qualms about being herself.
2. There’s No Filter
Most recently praised for her post-Oscars
press interview, Lawrence has rapidly become known for her quick wit and even
quicker mouth. She’s mentioned peeing on the red carpet, publicly denounced the
importance of acting, and discusses her need of alcohol to make it through red
carpet walks. 'Both of
my brothers before I went on the red carpet... I was so nervous... they were
like, 'Do shots! Do shots!' I was like, 'That’s not a good idea. It’s not a
good idea.' And then I did it, and that went to 'I’m peeing in my pants!' on
the red carpet.' She speaks like the 22 year old she is and, unlike many
actors whose publicists carefully plan all press statements, she has no problem
being blunt and honest about her opinions.
3. She Reminds You of Someone You Know
Whether it’s a relative or goofy
friend, Lawrence has a personality that is relatable. Sure, people will
undoubtedly be nervous and star struck upon meeting her, but Jennifer
Lawrence’s endearing personality is something that people experience on a daily
basis. Everyone has a friend, acquaintance, or family member whose personality
is similar to that of Jennifer Lawrence. Although she is clearly a unique
individual, and there is likely no other person in the world exactly like her,
Lawrence has traits and mannerisms that can easily be compared to people around
us. There are a hodge-podge of traits within Lawrence that are reflective of
many of my own friends and family members. Lawrence is unique because at any
given moment in time, a normal person can do something that will result in me
saying, “You remind me of Jennifer Lawrence.”
4. She is Well and Truly Funny
Ex. A 'No, that’s not a vampire deal, it’s just a very
violent, futuristic movie where kids are randomly selected from their home
districts to fight in an arena to the death. But we don’t drink blood... that’s
sick.' Late Night With David Letterman
Ex. B 'I would be Wes Bentley's beard.' — The Hunger
Games character she'd play if she weren't Katniss, Hunger Games
Mall Tour, March 2012.
Ex. C 'It’s almost like I subconsciously don’t want to
work anymore, so I’m trying to ruin my career. [Leans into the tape recorder]
I’m pregnant!... I did this to the New York Times. My publicist called me and
was like, 'This is the New York Times. Be serious.' And then I found myself
talking about orgies in three seconds.' —Entertainment Weekly, January
2013.
5. Family First
Lawrence has expressed on multiple
occasions the fact that her family’s support has been the tether that has kept
her sane in an insane world. There are numerous examples of actors and
actresses whose poor family relationships have been cited as being the main
factor behind personal and career downfalls. Lawrence is the antithesis of said
actors. This past awards season, though forgetting to thank David O. Russell
and Harvey Weinstein in her Oscars speech (which was quickly rectified with a
press release), Lawrence was quick to thank her family. Lawrence endlessly
commends her father for his ability to keep her grounded in a stressful world. In
addition to this, Lawrence has stated on multiple occasions that her mother has
had a key role in the projects she’s been involved in. Winter’s Bone and The
Hunger Games are two projects that Lawrence has done as a result of her
mother’s encouragement. In interviews, speeches, and conferences Lawrence has
graciously thanked her brothers for being equally mean and supportive over her
lifetime. 'I wanna thank
my brothers, Ben and Blaine. I wouldn’t be who I am today without you being
mean to me... but then really supportive and loving constantly.' It’s
always nice to see that, no matter how famous a person gets, they will always
be appreciative of the constant support of family.
6. Girl Can Eat
At her first go around at the
Oscars Lawrence repeatedly spoke about the Philly Cheese Steak she ate on the
big day. The second time, lamenting the fact that she hadn’t gotten the chance
to eat before hitting the red carpet, Lawrence made the executive decision to
order a Happy Meal from the McDonalds’s she spotted across the street while
being interviewed. http://facesofjenniferlawrence.tumblr.com/post/26861698411/jennifer-lawrence-food-favorite-interview
She has stated in many interviews
that she chooses not to diet because she loves food far too much. In a world
where women are constantly judged for their physical appearance and body
weight, it is incredibly refreshing to see a woman whose main concern is not
the amount of calories she puts into her body.
7. She Has Great Taste in Music
The Black Keys and Mumford &
Sons. Mad respect.
8. She Gets Star-Struck Just as Much as the Next Person
'One time someone was introducing me to Bill Maher, and I
saw Meryl Streep walk into the room, and I literally put my hand right in Bill
Maher’s face and said, 'Not now, Bill!' and I just stared at Meryl Streep... I
just creepily stared at her.' —Vanity Fair, January 2013.
I’m sure at this point you’ve
already seen this. The clip went viral almost immediately and was featured on
sites such as People, Perez Hilton, Yahoo, and Entertainment Weekly. The clip
pretty much speaks for itself as it highlights the fact that even Oscar winning
actresses will freak out over meeting Jack Nicholson.
9. This:
Some super hysterical quotes: http://entertainment.ca.msn.com/celebs/photos/photoviewer.aspx?cp-documentid=256564586#image=2
One of the MANY Jennifer Lawrence inspired blogs:
Some JLaw GIFs that have literally taken over the web:
