The Oscar winner explains why working with unfamiliar co-stars can feel more professional and less emotionally complicated

A Candid Take on On-Screen Intimacy

January 8, 2026: Jennifer Lawrence is once again speaking with refreshing honesty about the realities of filmmaking. In a recent conversation, the actress shared that she actually prefers filming intimate scenes with actors she doesn’t know, explaining that working with strangers can feel simpler and more professional.

“Doing it with strangers is preferable,” Lawrence said, noting that familiarity can sometimes introduce emotional complexity that doesn’t belong on set. The comment sparked discussion online, but many in the industry say her reasoning reflects a practical, boundary-focused approach.

HOLR breaks down the story here: for Lawrence, the preference isn’t about discomfort—it’s about clarity.

Why Distance Can Be Helpful on Set

Lawrence explained that when she already has a personal relationship with a co-star, it can blur lines during intimate scenes. With someone she doesn’t know well, expectations are clearer, communication is more direct, and the interaction stays strictly within the confines of the work.

That distance, she suggested, helps everyone focus on the technical and storytelling aspects of the scene rather than navigating personal feelings or awkwardness afterward.

Intimacy as a Job, Not a Bond

The actress emphasized that intimate scenes are highly choreographed, planned, and professional. They are not about romance, but about conveying emotion for the story. Working with a stranger reinforces that mindset, keeping the focus on performance rather than personal connection.

HOLR breaks down the story here: Lawrence’s comments reflect a growing industry shift toward treating intimate scenes like stunts—carefully designed, rehearsed, and executed with consent and structure.

The Role of Intimacy Coordinators

Lawrence also acknowledged how the presence of intimacy coordinators has changed the experience for actors. These professionals help establish boundaries, ensure comfort, and maintain clear communication between everyone involved.

With those safeguards in place, she said, working with someone new can feel especially straightforward. Everyone arrives with the same expectations, which reduces uncertainty and stress.

A Conversation Actors Are Having More Openly

Lawrence is far from alone in voicing these preferences. More actors have begun discussing what makes them feel safest and most supported during vulnerable moments on screen. Some prefer familiarity; others, like Lawrence, find neutrality more comfortable.

What matters, industry insiders say, is that actors now feel empowered to articulate those needs—something that wasn’t always the norm.

HOLR breaks down the story here: transparency is becoming just as important as talent in modern productions.

Audience Reaction and Broader Context

Fans responded with a mix of surprise and understanding, with many praising Lawrence for normalizing honest conversations about boundaries at work. Others noted that her perspective challenges assumptions about chemistry, reminding viewers that on-screen intimacy doesn’t always mirror real-life dynamics.

The discussion also highlighted how much filmmaking has evolved, especially when it comes to consent, professionalism, and emotional safety.

What It Says About Lawrence’s Approach

Known for her bluntness and authenticity, Lawrence’s comments align with how she’s navigated her career—direct, self-aware, and uninterested in pretense. Her priority, she made clear, is doing the job well while protecting her own comfort and mental space.

In an industry built on illusion, her perspective cuts through with something practical: sometimes, less familiarity makes the work easier.