Key Takeaways:
- The 2025 Envelope Oscar Actresses Roundtable featured six talented actresses, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, Emily Blunt, Sydney Sweeney, Tessa Thompson, and Elle Fanning, who shared their experiences and insights on their craft.
- The actresses discussed how they deal with bad press, resist being put in career boxes, and inhabit complex characters in their films.
- They also talked about the importance of self-care, self-awareness, and embracing their multifaceted nature as women.
- The conversation highlighted the challenges and rewards of playing complex, dynamic characters and the need to break free from societal expectations and stereotypes.
Introduction to the Roundtable
The 2025 Envelope Oscar Actresses Roundtable brought together six accomplished actresses to discuss their experiences and insights on their craft. Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, Emily Blunt, Sydney Sweeney, Tessa Thompson, and Elle Fanning shared their thoughts on how they deal with bad press, resist being put in career boxes, and inhabit complex characters in their films. The conversation was moderated by Times critic Lorraine Ali and provided a unique glimpse into the lives and careers of these talented women.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Complexity
The actresses discussed how they overcome challenges and embrace complexity in their roles. Jennifer Lopez talked about her experience playing the title role in "Kiss of the Spider Woman," a story set in Argentina during a military dictatorship. She emphasized the importance of telling this story now, given the current state of the world, and the need to highlight the humanity in people despite their differences. Gwyneth Paltrow shared her experience playing a faded starlet in "Marty Supreme," and how she based her character on Grace Kelly, who also had a remarkable movie career and then walked away from it for marriage.
Physical Transformations and Character Development
The actresses also discussed their physical transformations and character development processes. Sydney Sweeney talked about her transformation for the role of Christy Martin, a pioneer in women’s boxing, and how she trained every day for three months leading up to shooting. Emily Blunt shared her experience playing Dawn Staples, the girlfriend of Mark Kerr, a pioneer in MMA fighting, and how she knew very little about the world of MMA before taking on the role. Tessa Thompson discussed her role as Hedda Gabler, a character she described as a "beast" to play, and how she prepared for the role by researching the starlets of the time and their waist sizes.
Dealing with Bad Press and Negative Feedback
The actresses also shared their strategies for dealing with bad press and negative feedback. Gwyneth Paltrow revealed that she tries to avoid reading anything about herself, while Jennifer Lopez said she doesn’t read reviews of her films but sometimes hears about them from others. Emily Blunt and Sydney Sweeney emphasized the importance of focusing on their work and the people they collaborate with, rather than getting caught up in negative feedback. Tessa Thompson talked about the importance of having a sense of self and identity that is separate from her public persona, and how that helps her navigate criticism and negative feedback.
Wardrobe and Styling as a Tool for Character Development
The actresses discussed how wardrobe and styling can help them embody the emotional core of a role. Emily Blunt talked about how the costume design for her character in "The Smashing Machine" helped her get into character, with the revealing outfits and big hair making her feel like a different person. Tessa Thompson shared how the construction of the dresses in "Hedda" helped her understand the character’s inner life, with the boning and corseting creating a sense of restriction and confinement.
Breaking Free from Societal Expectations
The actresses also talked about the importance of breaking free from societal expectations and stereotypes. Elle Fanning discussed how she was initially typecast as a Disney princess after her role in "Maleficent," but has since played more complex and dynamic characters. Gwyneth Paltrow shared her experience of being criticized for pursuing entrepreneurship and starting her own business, Goop, and how she has always tried to defy expectations and challenge societal norms. Jennifer Lopez emphasized the importance of doing what feels good for oneself, rather than trying to fit into someone else’s idea of what one should be doing.
Conclusion
The 2025 Envelope Oscar Actresses Roundtable provided a unique glimpse into the lives and careers of six talented actresses. The conversation highlighted the challenges and rewards of playing complex, dynamic characters and the need to break free from societal expectations and stereotypes. The actresses shared their strategies for dealing with bad press, embracing complexity, and finding their own unique voice and identity. As they continue to push boundaries and challenge norms, they inspire and empower audiences around the world.