Jennifer Lawrence, with her plethora of diverse roles and vast acting range, has established herself as a unique presence in the film industry. Starting with smaller indie roles in The Poker House and The Burning Plain, and a recurring part on the sitcom The Bill Engvall Show, her career began to accelerate with her striking performance in Winter’s Bone. This pivotal moment was quickly followed by X-Men: First Class, and then by The Hunger Games series, marking her lasting place in pop culture.
Her acting versatility is something that sets her apart from others. Seamlessly transitioning between high-octane action films, lighthearted comedies, and delicate indie films, Lawrence has displayed a command of various genres including drama, science fiction, and comedy. This, coupled with her delightful personality and candid demeanor, has earned her a broad and dedicated fanbase. Given her immense talent, it’s not surprising that she has received four Oscar nominations to date. It’s plausible that she’ll amass even more in the future. Let’s delve into every performance that Jennifer Lawrence received an Oscar nomination for, ranked in order.
4. Joy (2015)
In what is considered the weakest of Jennifer Lawrence’s Oscar-nominated performances, she portrayed the character Joy in the loosely based biographical film. Co-written by Annie Mumolo and David O. Russell, who also directed it, the movie co-stars Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, and Diane Ladd. The storyline revolves around Joy, a woman accustomed to prioritizing the needs of others over her own, resulting in an unfulfilled life at home with her parents. To alleviate her discontent, she embarks on a journey of entrepreneurship, starting with the sale of self-wringing mops.
Despite her commendable acting skills, Lawrence was not exempt from making dubious project choices. Joy, though it appeared to be an unconventional and entertaining twist on traditional biopics, ended up being frustratingly erratic. Jonathan Romney, writing for The Observer, described the film as “bafflingly uneven in tone,” yet noted that it “works most convincingly as a vehicle for the no-nonsense warrior-woman persona of Jennifer Lawrence.” It appears that the Academy rewarded Lawrence for her past collaborations with David O. Russell, despite the unsatisfactory material of Joy.
3. American Hustle (2013)
In American Hustle, the second collaboration with Russell, Lawrence was part of a star-studded ensemble, rather than the sole lead. She played Rosalyn Rosenfeld alongside Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, and Christian Bale. As the plot unfolds, Rosalyn becomes a wild card in a precarious job involving corrupt politicians, threatening to explode the situation with a single misstep.
As per Russell’s style, the movie is vibrant and chaotic, providing a fitting backdrop for the turbulent narrative. Lawrence, like her co-stars, delivers an exuberant performance that’s a delight to watch, even though it lacks a certain authenticity. Yet, it’s not hard to see why her exaggerated portrayal earned her an Oscar nomination.
2. Winter’s Bone (2010)
Winter’s Bone provided the platform for Lawrence’s first Oscar nomination, making her one of the youngest nominees for Best Actress at just 20. Lawrence portrayed Ree, a girl tasked with finding her missing father to save her home from repossession. Her gripping performance contrasted starkly with her work with Russell, demonstrating her knack for nuanced and understated acting.
The authenticity of the movie and its narrative wouldn’t have been possible without Lawrence’s solid acting. Her performance, though grim, exuded a subtle warmth. This movie demonstrates her wide acting range, proving that she can masterfully tackle both bold and subtle roles.
1. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Silver Linings Playbook, earning Lawrence her Best Actress Oscar, tops the list of her nominated performances. In this David O. Russell film, Lawrence portrayed Tiffany, opposite Bradley Cooper, with Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, and Chris Tucker in supporting roles. The storyline follows Pat, recently discharged from a mental health facility, as he strikes up a complex relationship with Tiffany, as they prepare for a dance competition.
Despite the risk of her character becoming overly exaggerated, Lawrence delivered a grounded and believable performance, showcasing her character as a fully rounded individual, not just an agent of chaos. In an Empire Magazine review, Damon Wise posited that Silver Linings Playbook “proves that Winter’s Bone was merely the start” of her Oscars journey. Lawrence’s outstanding performance in this film underscores her acting prowess, blending extreme and subtle elements seamlessly. This standout role exemplifies the reason she is held in such high esteem within the film industry.
