It's official: Jennifer Lawrence is a bonafide Hollywood powerhouse. While on surface level it may appear as though I am simply stating the obvious, reiterating what many have known for quite some time to be true, one cannot simply overlook this statement. While it may be true that both Hollywood A-Lister's and common movie-goers alike are notorious for jumping on the proverbial bandwagon when it comes to the next big thing on the rise, one cannot merely underestimate the force that is Ms. Lawrence.
While it's true that she is indeed Hollywood's next big thing, and while it is also true that even as I write this there are countless hordes attempting to claw and scratch their way onto the already overcrowded bandwagon that is Jennifer Lawrence, there is an undeniable X-Factor that puts this young woman well above all of her competitors vying for the coveted crown which she now wears. She took her time ascending the A-list ladder, conquering the low-budget indie small screen well before landing the Hollywood Blockbuster.
Now, before you rile up the villagers with pitchforks in hand, this is by no means suggesting that the Kristen Stewart's of the world had anything handed to them on platters of silver. What I am suggesting, however, is that by taking the time to sharpen her skills, and hone her craft in a slew of films that I'm sure more than half the hordes clawing at the wagon have never even heard of, let alone seen, she set herself up to be on Hollywood's biggest stage, not merely as a spectator, but as the very object to which all spectating eyes were glued, putting in the hours when the world wasn't watching, because eventually they would be.
For the sake of argument, I will take this opportunity to address the naysayers who would suggest that Jennifer Lawrence, like Kristen Stewart, is simply the fad of the day. Sure, they both starred on the small screen before landing title roles in teen fiction novels turned Hollywood blockbusters, and if this argument was made before tonight (as I'm sure it has been) it's safe to say that the comparisons (simply based on body of work) would not be completely far fetched. However, after tonight, the old "playbook" is out the window.
In the opening paragraph I talked about Jennifer Lawrence possessing an X-Factor, that certain something that puts her well above the modern Hollywood starlets of today. Whether it be her ever expanding filmography, her undeniable acting chops, or any other quality one would like to attribute, after tonight, she has the hardware to go along with it. Say what you will about the Oscars or any other award show, that, despite the glitz, glam, and dollar signs, is nothing more than a glorified popularity contest. This may be true, however, this in no way diminishes the fact that with this win, Jennifer Lawrence has proved herself to be more than just another teen fiction sensation. This cements her status atop the cinematic echelon, earning her a place among all of the silver screen legends that have come before.
Everyday a star is born...as for Jennifer Lawrence, her star has only just begun to shine. If that isn't a silver lining, I know not what is.
Posted by:
Guest Columnist; Evan Morgan
