Jennifer Lawrence Oscar Predictions: Why The Actress Is Hollywood's New Golden Girl

Culture

With a Golden Globe and a SAG award already in her pocket for her performance in Silver Linings Playbook, Jennifer Lawrence is considered a strong contender in the Best Actress category for this year's Academy Awards. I'd love to see her take home the Oscar, and I'm not alone; the 22-year-old has established herself as Hollywood's new golden girl, winning the hearts of audiences as a lovable sex-addict-turned-dancer in the star-studded dramedy.

Personally, I'm always impressed by someone younger than I who doesn't sustain themselves on Ramen noodles and the odd babysitting job. But there are many, perhaps more significant, reasons that everyone finds Jennifer Lawrence so appealing. Since her Oscar nod for Winter's Bone two years ago, Lawrence has risen from "who's the hottie in the red dress" status to Tinseltown royalty. Here's why:

Who doesn't love Katniss? Taking on the role of Katniss in the Hunger Games trilogy was a tough decision for Lawrence. Sure, peers such as Kristen Stewart have successfully transitioned from tween-targeted blockbusters to more serious films, but it is no easy feat, and plenty of actors have found themselves typecast after such performances. But Lawrence has proven that she can't be pigeonholed into any one genre. Audiences loved her ass-kicking girl power in The Hunger Games, and have found her just as believable in less action-packed, more acting-focused roles such as the jilted girlfriend in indie flick Like Crazy and the recovering widow in Silver Linings Playbook. If anything, The Hunger Games merely demonstrated Lawrence's ability to play a plethora of roles, and expanded her fan base to include all age groups and sexes. Although I'm pretty sure teenage boys may be her most loyal fans.

She's down to earth. Lawrence has hit a soft spot with her down-to-earth, girl-next-door demeanor. She hasn't let her superstardom turn her into the demanding diva that so many young actresses (and older ones, too) end up being, and snafus such as her supposed dress rip at the SAG Awards have shown that she's not exempt from the everyday embarrassments us mere mortals have to endure (Stars Are Just Like Us!). In interviews, she's hilarious and self-deprecating (talking about everything from her love of Spanx to her love of Honey Boo Boo), and she has sworn that becoming a household name hasn't changed her. If you don't believe me, check out this interview with her adorable parents on the red carpet at the SAG Awards. It will literally melt your heart, and make you want to become besties with the entire Lawrence family.

She tried to set up her bestie with Bradley Cooper. Speaking of besties, Lawrence is good friends with Taylor Swift (which gives her immeasurable points in my book). And talk about doing your friend a solid! It may not have worked out (Cooper apparently goes for women his own age, or even older), but Lawrence reportedly tried to set Swift up with her co-star once he was back on the market. (Get in line, Tay!) Lawrence is also fresh on the market after her recent split from Warm Bodies actor Nicholas Hoult, so her selfless self-restraint is all the more impressive. Future note to all of my friends: I love you, but if I ever met Bradley Cooper and the stars aligned and there was even the slightest chance that he'd be interested, I'd do everything in my power to land him for myself. Just sayin'. 

And most importantly, she is gif gold. If you've been surfing the internet at all in the past couple of months, you have definitely seen a Jennifer Lawrence gif. From goofy faces to sarcastic responses to spot-on impressions, Lawrence has given Buzzfeed and What Should We Call Me plenty of material. And what's not to love about that?

So there you have it. Jennifer Lawrence has won us all over and now you know why. My bet is on her taking home the Oscar, and I'm looking forward to an acceptance speech for the books. Or at least a reaction that's gif worthy.