Jennifer Lawrence is one of Hollywood’s biggest It Girls. Just before her Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, she learned she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress a second time (for her role in Silver Linings Playbook). At just 22, she is the second youngest actress to be nominated for the Best Actress Oscar twice. Jennifer has definitely proved she’s a force to be reckoned with on the screen, but over the last two years she has solidified herself in her most important role: the perfect role model for girls of all ages.
Most of us probably don’t remember Jennifer’s first big introduction into Hollywood. In 2007, she made her debut as Bill Engvall’s daughter on the TBS sitcom The Bill Engvall Show. After the show’s cancellation in 2009, she had several bit parts on other television shows. She received her big break in 2010’s Winter’s Bone, in which she caught the eye of every major player in Hollywood. Her role as Ree Dolly earned Lawrence her first Academy Award Nomination, amongst many others. Although she didn’t win, it was obvious as she made her way down the red carpet in her infamous red dress that Jennifer Lawrence was here to stay. Several other roles later, including Raven in the 2011 summer blockbuster X-Men: First Class, her fame began to skyrocket to the level it is today.
And even through all of those accomplishments, Jennifer’s talent and quirkiness most definitely came onto every girl’s radar when she took on the role of Katniss Everdeen in last year’s film adaptation of The Hunger Games. The film’s success opened up Jennifer to the masses, showcasing her wit, fun-loving attitude, and overall adorable personality. Seeing that side of her showed to the pop-culture obsessed world that fame hadn’t changed her at all. Those facts alone makes Jennifer the ideal idol for every teen and 20-something girl around the world.
Potentially the most admirable thing about Jennifer is her desire to promote healthy body image amongst young women. Hollywood has continuously produced starlets with stick-thin bodies, plastic features, and slutty wardrobes. Jennifer, however, continually defies the stereotypical female celebrity image. She always dresses to impress, and has held on to her girl-next-door looks. Even after receiving flack for refusing to lose weight for the role of Katniss, Lawrence went on the record saying she has always loved her curves and wants to teach girls of all ages to do the same. In a world full of Lindsay Lohans and Paris Hiltons, we all could use a dose of Jennifer in our lives.
Despite her substantial success, Jennifer Lawrence has managed to hold on to her Kentucky girl roots. She promotes healthy body image while maintaining a silly and witty personality, and if that doesn’t inspire you I’m not sure what will!