Jennifer Lawrence & Viola Davis | Actors on Actors

The fact they are both in the Hunger Game universe is even better now!!!!!

I feel so emotional watching this. Viola said “What am I supposed to do with me? What am I supposed to do with my blackness, my deep voice, my wide nose? I have to believe that me, myself is a canvas in which I have to start my work…” That speaks to me so strongly. We have to see ourselves, in all of our uniqueness, as the canvas in which we have to work, and not force ourselves to conform to society’s idea of the what neutrality or standardization looks like. Art can be created from any starting point.

Every time Ms. Davis talks it's a Master Class.

Wasn't planning on watching the whole thing in one sitting... but I couldn't stop. The time just flew by. Viola Davis is... everything. Her words, her strength, hear realness, wisdom, and firmness. Jennifer Lawrence was lovely, and it was refreshing to see her just taking Viola Davis in and, as a viewer, experience her as more than who she has presented herself in the past years in interviews (funny, goofy, relatable, light-hearted). She is growing and deepening herself as she has grown, as well as through her marriage and being a new mother... and it's beautiful to witness.

What a REAL Actors on Actors this was! I LOVE how there wasn't any hiding or fakeness! Viola set the tone and got so vulnerable, and Jennifer met her there. Would love to see more conversations like this on this channel, so impactful and authentic WOW! @variety

When Jennifer opened up about not always feeling articulate because of her lack of education, I love that she countered Viola's reassurance with "And you are very beautiful" because whilst Viola was talking, I felt saddened that she, an absolute legend, feels she does not belong in the business because she doesn't fit the shallow box. Viola is such an inspiration to me. I'm thoroughly enjoying this conversation. They are both extremely talented women!!

This was a therapy session for Jenn and us I believe. Viola is just something else

This conversation gave me a deeper view of how soulful, open, insightful, reflective and wise Viola is. Also, she doesnt just speak, she also listens. The world need more people like Viola.

I think it’s so thought provoking that Viola is someone who hasn’t been deemed the ideal “beauty” from a societal perspective, & Jennifer has. Yet they have experienced similar traumas. It goes to show that superficial acceptance has no weight & can be detrimental whether you are on the “positive” or negative end of the spectrum. They both have so much depth. This was amazing.

This conversation has just done more for me than months in therapy. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for this raw sincerity.

I love so much how Viola complemented Jennifer in the very beginning. She made her feel comfortable. You can tell that meant a lot to Jen. Lawrence really is a fantastic actress and she has made such an impact on the industry. I agree with Viola, they are a similar type of actress. They both bring insane life and it’s hard to find an such deep actors brings so much of themselves to their roles, and I have so much respect for these women. Viola is just an incredible, incredible force and leader for so many people in the industry and Jen is fantastically talented, funny, charismatic, and this interview was perfect. ❤

Viola Davis is a phenomenal story teller and has so much wisdom. Both her and Jennifer Lawrence were very authentic and a surprisingly perfect match!!
These two were such a delight. I need a podcast series from each of these ladies 💝

tears are running down my face as I watch this. such open hearts. the compassion they have for each other drives right into me.

I absolutely loved listening to Viola Davis, especially on how the process on set matters more than the business side of their industry. You can tell she's so passionate about what she does. So inspiring.

Miss Viola Davis is truly 1/1. There will never be another Viola Davis. Her perspective and ability to succinctly detail & break down layered topics is truly astonishing and a gift

This was such a great talk, I cried through a lot of it. Viola saying that she doesn’t have the draw to get people to see her movie (she said it way better) is baffling to me. Viola Davis being in something is a stand alone reason I’d watch something. I love both actresses so much. I always have enjoyed Jennifer’s interviews she’s just very funny and seems real not just doing a talking point.

Tears came up for me as Viola talked about the pencil in the mouth and the holding of her rib cage to make sure her breathing was proper and then the progression into her features and the HER of it all and who she is and was in the face studying and performing Eurocentric work #whitecharacters
This interview is phenomenal and still very triumphant!

I don't care how people misinterpret anything Jennifer Lawerence says in an interview. She is a phenomenal actress. The variation in her characters and the stories she tells is a deep and wide chasm. Viola Davis is such a calming force and is so talented, articulate. The characters she portrays are grounded. There is always just a deeper story than the one you think you are watching. The skill that it takes to empathize with a character or a story. The depth of understanding, the psychology behind the thought process, as a person standing outside looking in you can't grasp it. But they do...they take months, sometimes years to understand a character and to tell their story and give it justice. But we just look at the finished product and judge. As an audience member, I appreciate what they do and what they give...

Two of my favorite actresses having such an honest, open, and considerate conversation makes me love them even more. They're both creating such a safe space for expressing their pains or struggles. Didn't expect to watch the whole thing but they definitely sucked me in!

what a brilliant moment in time. This concept for a show is brilliant. Can you imagine the power houses of the 30's 40's etc having a convo?

Oh my god, this was amazing! Viola is such a great teacher and they both were so completely open about, what it means to be an actor, what it means to not being mentally completely healthy, what it's like to be a mom and much more. Not only did I learn a lot here, I also feel very much not alone. Thank you so much to both of these great women and everyone involved!

I feel compassion for Jen cause she has been hurt emotionally. She came up so fast in the beginning that she felt being avoided for a new movie. I felt like she was standing alone trying to come back .Jen doesn’t cry easy but in this talk show with Viola she was holding it back.Grab hold Jen you can’t lose. Have f with in yourself. I do!!

I’ve started binging these and Viola is in a lot of them. My first thought was, “isn’t that a little excessive?” but no. She’s so insightful and gives so much backstory behind her journey as an actress.

What Viola Davis said about the 'prostitute' concept is so incredibly true. That's why I hope she gets the strength to write and direct her own movies. The upsetting thing about the capitalization on beauty & 'the look' in Hollywood is how that can take the soul away from artistry in many ways. It has held women back a lot in terms of allowing three dimensions to be shown, and allowing the good bad and the ugly to be expressed. Movies can change people's mindsets and I can't wait to see more roles where women are able to express everything that they are, even when they aren't physically appealing in a role. It doesn't have to be as drastic as 'Monster'. It just has to show the truth which is so rarely expressed in full - but Viola very well must be aware of the impact she's made on that very thing. The way she cried in Fences proves that. That scene was a revolutionary moment for women actors. Jennifer Aniston actually did that in 'Cake' and it changed how I saw her as an actress but in interviews people just questioned why she didn't look perfect in the role. We need to celebrate when female actors choose to take on roles that express their full humanity more. It will change a lot for us.

I only just finished Viola’s book & realizing her translate everything in real time, just as a person, is phenomenal to see. Jennifer holds her own well, as a woman in the same field but of a totally different world than Viola. They stood well together ❣️ #doubtless

Loved this! Two very real actors. The way they talked about how we can’t connect to others because we can’t connect to ourselves…just wow.

This selection of unique individuals couldn’t have resulted in a more inspired, insightful or thoughtful conversation. And the results are equally as unique and enticing for their soul stirring nature at the many levels of life experience. Unexpected, welcome and fulfilling beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you Viola. Thank you Jennifer. You are where you both belong during this conversation. And society has received your most precious gifts. I will pray that there is attention and discussion to equally approach the passion which you both have continued to offer in your life perspective. Thank you. JimR

as a younger actor starting my career, this is everything. to be able to see that these amazing, intelligent, talented women i look up to also go through normal, human struggles and have their anxieties... i love how raw, honest, and articulate (yes, jennifer) they were in this interview. such an inspiration.

I can't believe these two amazing, accomplished women still feel unworthy and have all those insecurities. Thank you for being raw an vulnerable, both of you. Uou're such unique people. This was a treasure to watch

This conversation was so special, it’s one of the few actors on actors I’ve watched that I felt really transcended the camera/set and turned into a real toss of passion back and forth. So warm

These two can play the most diverse and dynamic characters. Two of my favorites

Viola Davis does not need to feel less for the business. Her name alone and her skills, the emotions she portrays are what brings people to the cinema ❤️

What an absolutely incredible conversation! I felt like a fly on the wall, completely shocked that I was lucky enough to have flown into this room to hear all of this delicious talk. Sooo good! Thank you, Viola, Jennifer, and Variety!

A beautiful, honest conversation! I love it! I love how open and vulnerable they are; the way they approch their roles and the understanding they have of their characters. The courage of people who the world sees as successfull badass actresses to say "I am terrified of every role I take on"; to show you that they have impostor syndrome too! That they have anxiety too! I love it!
P.s.: I love Viola's laughter!

Viola Davis is just from another planet or I don't know, but how could a human be this respectful, wise, chill, real? No bullshitting, just being kind and smart.
Not to mention her voice.
And Jennifer...so happy that she talked about her anxiety experience, it's so refreshing to hear about real life experiences, how could the press not appreciate it and turn it to something comical?

My goodness I just want to cry in the best way possible. Viola Davis, so vulnerable , so astoundingly intelligent, I mean every word that came out of her mouth was so seasoned with depth and class. And Jennifer, she’s always been one of my favorites, and I loved seeing this side of her, and her generosity of being vulnerable in this interview, just, wonderful. I watched every bit of this video.

Honestly at it's fullest, thank you Viola and Jennifer.

I hope to be a film actress one day (right now I do theater since I'm getting a degree for it in college) and I definitely look up to these two in regards to my acting choices. I LOVE the naturalness these two have. I love when you can feel the emotion as if it is raw (and often, I find when I'm acting, the emotion is honest, it just is being masked by the script.) I love them! They both have fantastic range.

This conversation hit me so incredibly hard. Very moving and inspirational.

Woman King deserves everything!! So glad Jennifer praised it. Jennifer is so talented and has done great work 👏🏾 Viola is a force and a great example for all women 💜

Watching Viola's interviews always evokes strong emotions in me. Her wisdom and her candid, vulnerable perspective on various aspects of life resonate deeply with me.

I could've listened to these two women talk for another 3 hours. They're both so insightful and articulate while also being so humble, funny, and empathetic to each other. Truly so fulfilling to watch.

This was an incredible interview! The Elder and the young'un. Their exchange was truly vulnerable and Real! This conversation was my favorite of all the ones I've ever watched! Thank you to these Special women! ❤

Viola takes us all to church and is so inspiring. She thinks "I have no reason for desirability" but she is one of our greatest contemporary actors. Miss Davis, you are nothing but desirability.

Thank you for this, ladies. You are truly human-whisperers. Ever since I was a very young child, storytelling has literally kept me alive. This conversation meant everything to me. Keep doing the amazing work you do. You heal us in ways I can’t even explain.

It's been so long since I was so delighted by such an enriching interview with two artists that I really appreciate. Thank you Viola, she deserves it!❤❤❤

I love the other fun interviews with Anne/Em, and how insightful Cillian/Margot is, but this dialogue is so surprisingly vulnerable about not just these two actresses, but the pressure and cost of pursuing art. Just invaluable from two masters of the craft

Queen Viola tearing down the classical training oppression and its canon with her wonderful approach to acting and tbh her existence. a legend

“Negotiation of images of what we think a character is” hits crazy! This is so true and often times why I feel so many people stick to the theatre.. hopefully the film/tv industry and commitment to artistry continues to change and make honest progress.

Viola spoke some truths that resonates in every industry,even in childcare industry,what a beautiful human she is trying her best. Jennifer really is a beautiful person trying to live her best true life while entertaining us and let’s see them for who they are,people who have a job and trying to live their own lives. Thank you ladies for the har work you do to give us the audience the understanding of the experience and lessons in life that we do no see in our mirrors.

I could listen to Viola speaking for hours and hours nonstop… such a wise, amazing, beautiful human being. Also loved to see Jennifer and specially her vulnerability in this, you could see it was therapeutical to her

Viola is a wildly talented & complete actor - she is always in the moment of every scene I've ever seen her in. Kudos.

❤ them both! Jennifer seems like she's in a much better place both professionally and personally wise, and I am looking forward to her next projects. I won't lie some of her projects over the last few years was not ideal (but she was brilliant in Silver Lining Playbook) so looking forward for her to get back to her comical chops which she shines at. And I only have to hear that Viola is in a film or show and I am sold because she's brilliant.

Viola’s honesty is so beautiful and refreshing. She makes my heart sing!!!

i really really loved this interview. need more down to earth interviews like this. its so great seeing jennifer and viola being so real. thank you!!!!

Viola is just amazing! Her introspection and wisdom regarding how to portray a character reflects on her work. And Jennifer is on that path, she is already a great actress. I would love to see Viola and Jennifer working together!

I swear you can tell there is so much love and respect between them.
The way they speak is soul touching....brought tears to my eyes

Viola Davis amazingly inspiring as always. She is just deep seated without forcing it. Jennifer Lawrence smarter than anyone would think immensely genuine and funny. She was just taking all in from Viola while dropping some gems from time to time…and it was great to watch this duo talking !!

Viola Davis is unbelievable, she is so wise and insightful. Jennifer has always been cut down to a soundbite or a meme, I love hearing her talk at length about her craft.

i love both of these artists. so much talent, so much humanity in just 45 minutes. thank you for everything!

Listening to Viola about being true to the character and not the business is a Masterclass. Viola has some wonderful outstanding performances although sometimes she overacts, sometimes. It's wonderful that she has made aging acceptable. She is a Light for young African American girls and women.Jennifer in most of her movies especially dramas excels Silver Linings playbook and American Hustle were amazing movies.

As an actress who's on the come up it's refreshing to see interviews like this. I understand they're regular people but it's nice to get a reminder every now and then. These two are on my list for people I would love to work with. I'm claiming it now!

Absolutely loved this talk and how vulnerable both got. And how they tried to meet and understand each other as well. Good job :) Viola is so wise and I learn so much from her :)

This was so beautiful, genuine and emotional. Thank you Viola and Jennifer.

Viola Davis is like the Maya Angelou of Actresses. Full of such sage. I appreciated that Jennifer Lawrence complimented Viola's beauty, too! Women uplifting women!

Duas grandes atrizes. Uma que conseguiu ser uma das melhores mesmo com todas chances contra e uma que mesmo com todo privilégio nunca ficou na zona de conforto, mostrando que é mais do que um rosto bonito. E eu entendo a fala da J-law em dizer que não se sente digna de estar na mesma sala que a Viola, mas ela precisa saber que também é incrível, e não umas dessas atrizes básicas de hoje em dia. Pra mim, esses minutos passaram voando, eu podia ficar horas ouvindo as duas e não me cansar.

Viola is such an epic storyteller haha

Truly two of the most talented amazing women in our lifetime. I admire you both so much!❤️

This pairing was everything. What a beautiful exchange and conversation to watch❤

I love these two women. The conversation and support is just great. Favorite duo so far 💞

The amount of bravery to be authentic and real in a narcissistic way of being and looking! Viola has been broken down boundaries and has without doubt has has so much victory over her roles and her talent is unmatched.

Wow, my jaw drops every time I listen to Viola. There's always so much wisdom in her words.

Oh God, I cried, I love them both. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

At the end of the day we are all only human. I love the wisdom Viola imparted. We don't extend enough grace towards each other and while watching this I saw two amazing women, connecting. Thanks for this. It truly moved me 🙏

Viola Davis speaks with depth & authenticity. This makes me see why she is such a talented actor, she takes time to understand the humanness and essence of her characters.
She must have had a heart to heart with Mrs. Jordan for Air. She is Oscar worthy and deserves an award for this podcast!❤

I loveeeeddd this, I am not even going to say which parts because I'd basically transcribe the entire thing. For Viola Davis, everyone I know just LOVES her performance and loves her as an actress. We want diversity and variety on screen, monotony is boring! Her acting is always so incredibly powerful! And J. Law always loved her and it was so nice seeing a different more calm vulnerable side to herself (and still can make us giggle :) )

Anyone else agree with me that Variety needs to have an Actors on Actors of Viola and Denzel? Make it happen please!! I could listen to them talk to each other for hours.

This goes so beyond a conversation about acting... watching this was better than any therapy session I have ever had.

There was something so quiet and sacred happening between their energies. It was lovely to watch.

This was just beautiful from beginning to end. I’m not a mother yet, but their reflections on the realities of motherhood gave me such a sense of peace and makes me look forward to the inevitable f*ck ups. Phenomenal interview!

Viola and Jen, these two women always inspire authenticity and bravery. Viola's using prostitutes as an analogy to explain the battle artists fight almost made me cry. Beautiful observation.

What an interview. These women are great. Vulnerability at its best. So inspiring.

I love what Viola said about the difference between the business and the craft. It’s so true and all the stuff you have to filter out before you get on set.

As someone getting ready to audition for MFA Acting Programs this smacked me in my heart, and lit a fire in my soul.

I couldn't stop watching it, I would actually pay for this. Viola is a jewel, she can talk about race without sounding either preachy, or woke, but in a normal, serious way. As usual, it is a pleasure to watch her in everything she does.

I am shocked that this video hasn't gotten more views. It was so real and honest. Reflective. As viola spoke, I felt every word and she spoke with such imagery such deepness. Time flew by!

Viola Davis is a credit to human kind. She is a beautiful soul. She captures her characters like magic.

I love this. My favorite Actor on Actor interview. I was truly invested in this conversation. I've watched this 3 times already.

Ah this is a wonderful conversation. It like they are talking privately. It’s Jennifer enthousiasm and obvious respect for Viola, combined with Viola’s realness and both being so open hearted.. that makes me feel a fly on the wall!❤
I adore both these women!
Viola is offcourse a queen, the top of the top!

Wow, I'm so impressed with their conversation. Some topics are so relatable in my life. And this is by far I have listened to until the end. Thank you, Jenn & Viola. 🙏😍😇

Viola Davis is the type of person that commands respect lol everyone just starts acting right, sitting up straighter, listening more attentively in her presence. She has a powerful aura. That part where she mentions feeling anxious about meeting young actors because they have these expectations and she feels like she doesn’t know anything and she doesn’t know how to tell them that she feels like she is at their level - that’s humility right there! Such a lovely person.
And Jennifer! What can I say about Jen! I’ve been a fan of her since the hunger games. I truly think she was done dirty in the last few years of her “peak” era (tbh she is still peaking but she did disappear for a bit). People saying shes annoying, etc. Like she was just being herself and people turned on her. I feel like she’s changed a bit, and I mean sure everyone changes from age 20 to age 30 but her change isn’t just because of age and maturity, i think it has a lot to do with the anxiety she is talking about here. It’s almost as if the media had snuffed that childlike fearlessness she had. Forced her to be more aware, conscious, and careful about what she says publicly. Although there is nothing wrong with awareness and being more private, that can be healthy but when it stems from backlash or some type of hurt, it definitely feels like a person’s light is being dimmed in some way. You can tell she holds back alot, but thankfully she is still her funny lovely self.
Such a lovely conversation! I love this type of interviews, you can tell the actors are more honest with each other than with journalists.

Two of my favorite actresses!! 💗💗 I love them both and have the utmost respect for their craft!! Thank you, Variety these videos are phenomenal.

jen and viola were both so raw and vulnerable in this interview i actually shed a tear watching this

Amazing, Ladies! It is finally someone sharing the importance of a connection from the level that they are sitting on. Also, amazing for distinguishing the business and what the life truth and honesty are. I am 31 but have grown up with films with deep meaning and messages from the 60s and 90s and was asking myself for ages where are those movies and I can not catch myself having the same intense and deep relationship with any movie in the last 10 years. I can understand why and wish both of them to be the artists that they would like creating through their prizma and being honest to the real life so people like me can have this amazing fictional world to live in from time to time and "to not feel alone". 🎉

Honestly, my two favourite actresses in every sense,- the depth of conversation and connection all throughout this Ted Talk/therapy session, was on such a grounded, raw level that these two need their own show!!

Wow, what a beautiful interwiev, it was an absolute delight. Jennifer is so authentic and vulnerable, i feel a lot of empathy for her. Viola is so mature and deep. Great women and actresses. They both show that they are human not only a celebrity.

Watching this interview makes me so emotional. I treasure both of these women and their stories. Absolutely stunning and breathtaking

this duo is unbelievable. life affirming conversation.

Thank you for coming to the Viola Davis podcast. This woman deserves an Oscar just for the way she speaks her truth and owns up to every aspect of herself (good or bad). I can listen to her for days! Jennifer Lawrence was just the cherry on top since she’s also very unapologetically herself. These are true interviews. Bravo 👏

These two are just so inspirational. I feel like I'm at a therapy session when I watch these videos! LOVE IT!