Jennifer Lawrence has never shied away from honesty, self-deprecating humor, or candid storytelling, and her latest revelation is a perfect example. During a recent live Q&A, the Oscar-winning actress opened up about early career disappointments, friendly competition, and the one role she desperately wanted—but ultimately went to her longtime friend and fellow star, Emma Stone.
That role was “Easy A.”
The 2010 teen comedy became a breakout moment for Stone and helped cement her status as a leading Hollywood actress. For Lawrence, it remains the one project she admits she was truly heartbroken to miss out on—even years later.
“I Was Nuts for Easy A”
Speaking during an onstage conversation with entertainment journalist Josh Horowitz at New York City’s 92NY Kaufmann Concert Hall, Lawrence reflected on how often she and Emma Stone went after the same roles early in their careers.
“There’s one role I really wanted,” Lawrence admitted. “The one that I wanted that she got was Easy A.”
She didn’t stop there. With her signature sarcasm, Lawrence joked that she felt she “really should have gotten it,” adding that the film still would have turned out great—even with her instead of Stone. The comment was delivered with humor, but it revealed a very real sense of longing for a role that arrived at a crucial time in both actresses’ careers.
Easy A went on to become both a box-office success and a critical favorite, widely praised for its clever script and Stone’s performance. While Lawrence would later achieve massive success with franchises like The Hunger Games and award-winning dramatic roles, the missed opportunity still lingers in her memory.
A Friendly Rivalry That Spans Decades
Rather than bitterness, Lawrence frames her professional overlap with Stone as a mixture of admiration, humor, and genuine friendship. The two actresses have known each other for years, frequently finding themselves up for the same parts as they rose through Hollywood’s ranks.
That dynamic continues even today. Lawrence shared a recent anecdote involving their group chat with friends after Stone received a SAG Award nomination for her role in Bugonia. Lawrence, meanwhile, was notably absent from the nominations for her own performance in Die My Love.
The situation quickly turned playful.
Lawrence joked that while friends flooded the chat with congratulations for Stone, she responded with nothing more than a sad face emoji. She teasingly accused Stone of not apologizing enough for being nominated while she wasn’t, mock-complaining that Stone continued talking as if nothing had happened.
Then came the punchline that perfectly summed up their relationship:
“She’s been beating me for decades—and it’s an honor.”
The comment struck a balance between humor and sincerity, highlighting how competition doesn’t have to undermine friendship, especially when both artists respect each other deeply.
Early Auditions and No Formal Training
During the discussion, Lawrence also reflected on her earliest days in Hollywood—long before awards, franchises, and global recognition. Unlike many actors, she didn’t come from a background of formal acting classes or structured training.
Instead, she learned on the job, often through trial and error.
That lack of guidance led to some awkward—and now hilarious—audition moments. Lawrence recalled one early audition in which she believed she was making a bold, realistic acting choice by partially covering her face with her hand during the scene.
From her perspective, the choice made sense: the scene was set outdoors, and she thought the gesture added authenticity.
The casting team, however, was less impressed.
“They were like, ‘Cut, cut—what are you doing?’” she remembered. When she explained her reasoning, they simply told her to move her hand away from her face.
Looking back, Lawrence laughs at the moment, acknowledging that she didn’t fully understand audition etiquette at the time. It’s a reminder that even the most accomplished performers once stumbled through uncomfortable learning curves.
“I Wasn’t a Good Auditioner”
Lawrence didn’t sugarcoat her early struggles. She openly admitted that auditioning was not her strength, especially at the beginning of her career. Without consistent feedback or training, she was essentially teaching herself how to act in front of casting directors—often with mixed results.
“I wasn’t a good auditioner,” she said plainly.
Still, she noted that persistence mattered. Every now and then, despite awkward moments or missteps, she would get a callback. Those small wins helped build confidence and momentum, eventually leading to the breakthrough opportunities that defined her career.
Her story serves as a reminder that success in Hollywood—or any creative field—is rarely linear. Rejection, embarrassment, and missed opportunities are often part of the journey.
Two Careers, Two Paths, One Mutual Respect
What makes Lawrence’s reflections so compelling isn’t just the behind-the-scenes insight—it’s the generosity with which she speaks about Emma Stone. Rather than framing missed roles as losses, she treats them as part of a shared history between two actresses who have grown, evolved, and succeeded in their own ways.
Stone’s career followed a trajectory that leaned heavily into sharp comedy, experimental roles, and auteur collaborations. Lawrence, meanwhile, balanced blockbuster franchises with intense dramatic performances that earned her some of the industry’s highest honors.
The fact that both actresses continue to thrive speaks less to competition and more to the abundance of opportunity for talent willing to take risks.
Looking Back Without Regret
While Easy A remains the “one that got away,” Lawrence doesn’t express regret so much as reflection. Her tone suggests acceptance—a recognition that every missed role helped shape the path she ultimately took.
If anything, her candidness reinforces why audiences continue to connect with her. Even at the height of fame, she remains relatable, honest, and refreshingly unpolished.
Final Thoughts
Jennifer Lawrence’s revelation about Easy A isn’t just a fun Hollywood anecdote—it’s a window into the reality of creative careers shaped by chance, timing, and resilience. Her playful honesty about losing roles to Emma Stone, struggling in auditions, and learning on the fly makes her journey feel accessible and real.
In an industry often obsessed with perfection and victory, Lawrence’s story reminds us that growth often begins with failure—and that sometimes, losing a role doesn’t mean losing your way.