Sydney Sweeney, Jennifer Lopez Join Oscars Actresses Roundtable
The 2025 Oscars Actresses Roundtable brought together a remarkable group of Hollywood talent to discuss their experiences and challenges in the industry. Participants included Sydney Sweeney, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Emily Blunt, Tessa Thompson, and Elle Fanning. The discussions ranged from their film roles to the pressures they face in navigating fame.
Sydney Sweeney’s Transformation for “Christy”
Sydney Sweeney portrayed Christy Martin, a trailblazer in women’s boxing. For this role, she underwent a significant physical transformation, gaining 35 pounds through intense training. Sweeney expressed that bringing Martin’s story to life was one of her most important projects. She noted the emotional weight of the character, especially in the movie’s depiction of domestic violence.
Jennifer Lopez’s Timely Role in “Kiss of the Spider Woman”
Jennifer Lopez plays the title role in “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” a story set against the backdrop of Argentina’s military dictatorship. Lopez highlighted the relevance of the narrative today, emphasizing the importance of empathy amidst divisive political climates. The film explores the humanity between two men, emphasizing love transcending differences.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Return in “Marty Supreme”
Gwyneth Paltrow steps back into the industry with “Marty Supreme,” where she plays Kay Stone, inspired by Grace Kelly. Paltrow reflected on her character’s journey, a parallel to her own experiences in Hollywood. She acknowledged the challenges of returning after a long hiatus and the emotional aspects of her role.
Emily Blunt on “The Smashing Machine”
In “The Smashing Machine,” Emily Blunt plays Dawn Staples, a character intertwined with MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Blunt admitted to knowing little about MMA before her role but was drawn to the complexities of Kerr’s character, showcasing vulnerability amid violence.
Tessa Thompson’s Interpretation of “Hedda”
Tessa Thompson portrays the title role in “Hedda,” an adaptation of Ibsen’s classic. She discussed the weight of the character and compared the role to Hamlet for its complexity. Thompson emphasized the historical significance of such challenging roles for women in theater.
Elle Fanning in “Sentimental Value”
Elle Fanning plays a Hollywood actress navigating an art-house production in “Sentimental Value.” Her character’s journey resonates with her real-life experiences in balancing projects of varying scales, reflecting the duality of being an actress in contemporary cinema.
- Participants: Sydney Sweeney, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Emily Blunt, Tessa Thompson, Elle Fanning
- Notable Films Discussed:
- “Christy” – Sydney Sweeney
- “Kiss of the Spider Woman” – Jennifer Lopez
- “Marty Supreme” – Gwyneth Paltrow
- “The Smashing Machine” – Emily Blunt
- “Hedda” – Tessa Thompson
- “Sentimental Value” – Elle Fanning
The roundtable also addressed how these actresses cope with negative press and the industry’s tendency to box women into specific roles. Paltrow, Lopez, and Sweeney discussed their strategies for maintaining self-identity amidst public scrutiny, focusing on their love for acting and their individual journeys within Hollywood.
