Jennifer Lawrence is opening up about the professional considerations that go into performing intimate scenes, particularly her experience working with Robert pattinson in the critically acclaimed Poor Things. The Oscar-nominated actress, who recently earned a 2026 Golden Globe nomination for her performance, revealed a surprising preference for working with actors she doesn’t know well, citing a greater ease and focus on the director’s vision. Lawrence detailed the challenges and unexpected awkwardness of a demanding scene involving interpretive dance and physicality-a testament to her commitment to fully inhabiting complex roles.
Jennifer Lawrence says filming intimate scenes is easier with actors she doesn’t know well. The Golden Globe-nominated actress approaches her roles with a professional willingness to commit to a director’s vision, whether it involves intense drama, explicit scenes, or, in the case of her latest film, both.
Jennifer Lawrence Didn’t Know Robert Pattinson Before Their Intimate Scene
Poor Things, released last year, quickly became one of the most talked-about horror-comedies of the year, featuring a wildly uninhibited performance from Jennifer Lawrence. The film also marks her first collaboration with Twilight star Robert Pattinson. Surprisingly, their limited acquaintance only smoothed the way for their work together, particularly when it came to a particularly steamy scene. As the actress recently revealed in a radio interview, some things are simply easier when there isn’t an existing friendship.
“It’s really easier when Rob and I don’t know each other. It’s actually better. It’s like when I have to kiss Josh Hutcherson in The Hunger Games and, you know… it’s a lot weirder, it’s much easier with someone you don’t know.”
Poor Things presented several challenges for the actress, known for her bold fashion choices. Having taken a five-year hiatus from acting, Lawrence is still a major draw for audiences, but doesn’t possess the same momentum she had during her breakout roles in films like Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, and the X-Men franchise. However, this project demanded a dynamic and powerful performance, which director Lynne Ramsay expected from her.
Ramsay pushed Lawrence to develop a nuanced physicality by requiring her to take interpretive dance lessons—a style of dance that uses movement to convey information and integrate it into the narrative. Following that, came the real test: using her newly acquired skills, Lawrence had to imitate a tiger and perform a highly physical sex scene with Robert Pattinson. The professional hurdles undoubtedly challenged the actress, but she now looks back on the experience with amusement.
“We arrived in Calgary three weeks before filming. Rob and I are both easily embarrassed and the whole situation was killer. Especially since I’m not a good dancer and Rob is a terrible dancer. The whole recording was absolutely awkward. When the time came, the director said, ‘Okay, get undressed’—and there we were, at least we didn’t have to dance anymore.”
—the actress shared with a laugh. Her performance in Poor Things earned her a 2026 Golden Globe nomination, but she ultimately didn’t win. Jessie Buckley took home the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in Hamnet. The film’s success further cements Lawrence’s status as a versatile and captivating performer.
