Every awards season, there are really only two moments of true suspense during the ceremonies: The reading of the names of the winning film or actor in each category, and the views of the hopeful, pensive faces of those who represent them. Two Best Actress nominees this year will be extra scrutinized as a result of reported “insider squabbling,” but really the occasion has led one of the leading ladies to respond with a level-headed fury.
After an ever-trustworthy “insider source” revealed to the National Enquirer (via Entertainment Wise) that "Silver Linings Playbook" actress Jennifer Lawrence and “Zero Dark Thirty” lead Jessica Chastain butted heads over Lawrence's increased awards presence — “stealing” and “seething” being two verbs used — the story promptly gained a ridiculous hold. Lawrence's “SNL” hosting spot didn't do the rumors any favors either, with the actress proclaiming about Chastain, “In 'Zero Dark Thirty' you caught Bin Laden. So what? In 'Winter's Bone' I caught a squirrel – and then I ate it. Boom. Deal with that."
There are always calculated and contrived smear tactics like this meant to derail or disrupt certain campaigns, but rather than letting the story continue to simmer in its tabloid pap, Chastain responded on her Facebook page with a slew of insightful and spot-on comments. “I find it very sad that media makes up bogus stories about women fighting in this industry,” she wrote. “Why do we support the myth that women are competitive and cannot get along?” She also writes that she's “done two photo shoots with Lawrence” and found her to be “utterly charming and a great talent,” and concludes by saying “a great year for women in film, is just a great year for film.
You can read the full statement below, and get properly updated before Emmanuelle Riva and Quvenzhane Wallis naturally duke it out in the next Oscars round. It's certainly a shame that the rumor even had to get this far, but it's another reminder that Oscar season can get pretty ugly before it's over.
I find it very sad that media makes up bogus stories about women fighting in this industry. Filming The Help was the most amazing experience and yet, that is the film Im most asked about in regards to "fighting on set". Why do we support the myth that women are competitive and cannot get along?
I think all of the actresses recognized this year have given incredible performances. But more important, they've all shown themselves to be filled with generosity and kindness. I've done two photo shoots with Jennifer Lawrence over the years and have found her to be utterly charming and a great talent. I've told her how beautiful her film work is.
Please don't allow the media to perpetuate the myth that women arent supportive of each other. Everytime an actress is celebrated for her great work, I cheer. For the more brilliant their performance, the more the audience demands stories about women. With support and encouragement, we help to inspire this industry to create opportunities for women. And as we all know: a great year for women in film, is just a great year for film xxjes