Academy Award–winning actress Jennifer Lawrence is known for her candid personality, and she recently gave fans another glimpse into her honesty while reflecting on a pivotal audition she didn’t land. During a public appearance in New York, Lawrence revealed the one role she truly wanted early in her career a part that ultimately helped launch Emma Stone into mainstream stardom.
Speaking at a January event hosted by 92NY, Lawrence admitted she was determined to secure the lead role in the 2010 teen comedy Easy A. The film, which reimagined Nathaniel Hawthorne’s
The Scarlet Letter in a modern high school setting, became Stone’s breakout performance and a defining moment in her career.
“I was obsessed with
Easy A,” Lawrence told the audience. “I really wanted that role.” While the actress joked that the movie would have turned out “just fine” with her in the lead, she acknowledged that Stone ultimately made the part her own.
A Friendly Rivalry Built on Respect
Lawrence framed the moment not as a professional disappointment, but as part of a long-running and humorous rivalry between the two stars. With her trademark sarcasm, she joked that Stone has been “beating me for decades,” emphasizing that the
competition has always been good-natured.
The two actresses, who rose to fame around the same time, have frequently praised each other publicly. Both went on to win Academy Awards Lawrence for
Silver Linings Playbook and Stone for
La La Land solidifying their places among Hollywood’s most respected performers.
Rather than expressing resentment, Lawrence made it clear that she views Stone’s success as well-earned. The comment drew laughter from the audience and reinforced Lawrence’s reputation for authenticity and humor when discussing her career.
Awards Season Humor and Industry Reality
The playful rivalry resurfaced again during the most recent awards season. Stone received a Screen Actors Guild nomination for her role in
Bugonia, while Lawrence did not receive a nomination for her performance in
Die My Love.
Lawrence joked that she noticed Stone hadn’t reached out to apologize for “winning again,” adding that she teased friends about the snub. Her comments highlighted the unpredictable nature of awards recognition in Hollywood even for established stars.
Industry insiders often note that awards outcomes are influenced by timing, studio campaigns, and competition within a given year. Lawrence’s remarks reflected an understanding of that reality, mixed with her characteristic self-deprecation.
Early Career Lessons and Audition Missteps
Lawrence also used the moment to reflect on her early acting years, admitting she lacked formal training when she first entered the industry. She shared anecdotes about auditions where she misunderstood blocking or tried too hard to appear “natural,” sometimes at the expense of technical precision.
Those early experiences, she explained, helped shape her growth as an actress. Missing out on roles like
Easy A ultimately pushed her toward other opportunities including
Winter’s Bone and
The Hunger Games that defined her career trajectory.
Looking Back Without Regret
While Lawrence openly acknowledged wanting the role, she made it clear she harbors no regrets. Instead, she described her professional relationship with Stone as something she genuinely values, calling it an “honor” to be compared to her longtime peer.
The reflection resonated with fans because it underscored a broader truth in the entertainment industry: even the most successful actors face rejection. Lawrence’s willingness to discuss those moments openly continues to set her apart in Hollywood.
As both actresses move forward with high-profile projects and continued awards recognition, Lawrence’s story serves as a reminder that
missed opportunities can still lead to remarkable success and sometimes, a lasting friendship built on mutual respect.
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