Why Emma stone calls Jennifer Lawrence ‘the cat’ of acting
Emma Stone has stepped into the spotlight to heap praise on her longtime friend and fellow Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence, describing a rare and compelling quality in Lawrence’s work that sets her apart in a crowded field of talented actors. In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Stone explained that Lawrence does more than simply perform a role, she becomes it, in such a way that the world around her feels entirely real.
Stone described how if an actor stands on stage alongside a cat, the audience will often watch the cat not the actor because the cat reacts genuinely. She said, “Jen’s the cat.” In other words, Lawrence’s ability to respond truthfully in the moment is what makes her riveting, rather than what most think of as acting by rote.
The two actresses share a deep professional respect underpinned by a longstanding friendship. They were introduced by their mutual acquaintance Woody Harrelson and have supported each other’s careers for years. Stone’s comments place a spotlight not only on Lawrence’s performance style but also on the changing measurement of acting excellence in Hollywood, one that values authentic presence over polish.
Online reaction to Stone’s praise has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans are reposting the cat analogy and revisiting the friendship between Stone and Lawrence. The warm tone of the discussion contrasts with typical awards season rivalry narratives, demonstrating that camaraderie still has a place on the red carpet.
For Lawrence, who is already known for bringing humour, vulnerability and commitment to her roles, receiving such a compliment from a peer of Stone’s standing is significant. It bolsters the notion that what matters most in front of the camera is not simply memorising lines or hitting cues but living in the moment and allowing the scene to breathe around you. Stone’s words implicitly shift attention toward the internal landscape of performance rather than outward effect.
Ultimately this moment delivers more than a compliment between friends. It subtly reframes how audiences, critics and the industry might view acting talent. As Stone put it, “She just becomes it … the circumstance around you is real.” Lawrence may have earned many accolades but this recognition from a fellow craftswoman with a metaphor that sticks could become one of her most memorable endorsements.