Jennifer Lawrence wasn’t nominated for an Oscar at the 90th Academy Awards, but that didn’t stop her from having the time of her life at the awards show.
Other than climbing over chairs holding a glass of wine, J-Law took a moment to laugh at her best friend and seat-neighbor Emma Stone during Jimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue. Kimmel’s speech began by making fun of last year’s Best Picture mix-up when La La Land was called instead of Moonlight. “This year, when you hear your name called, don’t get up right away. Just give us a minute. We don’t want another thing,” he said.
Kimmel’s inevitable mention of the “unfortunate” mistake caused Lawrence to point at Stone, who appeared to be stifling a laugh. This moment proved to be another cornerstone in Lawrence and Stone’s epic friendship, and the Internet fully agreed.
Lawrence presented the Oscar for Best Actress alongside Jodie Foster. Stone made a statement during her Best Director announcement when she said, “These four men and Greta Gerwig created their own masterpieces this year.”
When Jennifer Lawrence landed the role of a Bolshoi ballerina-turned-Russian intelligence officer in “Red Sparrow,” she knew she’d need to exude confidence and grace. The Oscar winner, whose klutziness was endearingly demonstrated when she tripped onstage at the 2013 Academy Awards and on a few carpets afterward, sought a movement virtuoso.
Enter Kurt Froman. Since 2010, the New York City Ballet veteran has built a résumé as a dance coach to the stars, training Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis for “Black Swan,” as well as Rooney Mara for “Song to Song,” released last year. His job with Lawrence, who had never taken a ballet class, was to break down a six-minute dance sequence set to Igor Stravinsky’s “The Firebird,” choreographed by the New York City Ballet’s Justin Peck.
Kurt Froman Dance coach Kurt Froman said of Jennifer Lawrence, "She’s a natural fighter."
Before filming on “Red Sparrow” began in Budapest, Hungary, Lawrence trained with Froman in four-hour sessions for five days a week over four months. Though American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Isabella Boylston provided the on-camera footwork en pointe, Lawrence had to learn all of the choreography to perfect the illusion.
“There was a mountain of material that Jen needed to climb ― that anyone with no dance experience would need to climb,” Froman told HuffPost. “I wanted every step to have weight, power and passion, and I knew she was capable of that. She’s a natural fighter.”
“Red Sparrow” opened March 2 to mixed reviews, though many critics praised Lawrence’s performance and the “Firebird” sequence. For Froman, the movie represents a new chapter in a career that’s taken him from ballet to Broadway and, finally, to the big screen.
Niko Tavernise Benjamin Millepied, Natalie Portman, Kurt Froman, Christine Redpath and Darren Aronofsky on the "Black Swan" set.
The native Texan, 41, joined the New York City Ballet with his twin brother, Kyle, in 1995. Some 60 productions, as well as an auspicious film debut in the 2000 dance drama, “Center Stage,” followed, but Froman wasn’t satisfied creatively.
After seven years with the company, he swapped ballet for Broadway in 2002, landing a role in the Billy Joel jukebox musical, “Movin’ Out.”
“That’s when I started feeling like an artist,” Froman said.
His next trajectory came after he was sidelined by injury. He was forced to drop out of 2009′s “Come Fly Away” in rehearsals after he suffered an ankle sprain that required months of rehabilitation. A week into his recuperation, he emailed the New York City Ballet’s Benjamin Millepied, who had been tapped by director Darren Aronofsky to choreograph “Black Swan.” The French-born Millepied was needed in Paris at the same time as the film’s pre-production in New York, so he suggested Froman get Kunis and Portman up to speed on the choreography.
Nicola Majocchi “I feel like I’m an ambassador to my art form,” Froman, who spent seven years with the New York City Ballet, said.
Though Froman returned to the Broadway stage in 2015’s “An American in Paris,” he began focusing his attention behind the scenes after the success of “Black Swan.” He believes he’s found his true niche as a coach and a choreographer, and hopes to one day work with Ryan Gosling, who revealed a surprise penchant for dance in 2016’s “La La Land.”
“I feel like I’m an ambassador to my art form,” he said. “To share my gift with artists who are at the top of their field, and for them to make themselves vulnerable to me … I take a lot of responsibility in that.”
The months ahead will bring about a personal milestone, too. Froman and longtime boyfriend, Anthony Autovino, are set to marry later this year.
“We’re at different ends of the spectrum in many ways,” he said of Autovino, who works as an estimator for a construction company. “He grounds me, and I think I loosen him up.”
Kurt Froman
Whether Froman has instilled a love of dance in Lawrence is another story. Though the actress said the experience gave her “respect” for prima ballerinas, she called her dance training “brutal,” and quipped to “E! News”: “As soon as I wrapped the ballet scene, I threw my shoes in the trash. Done.”
Froman takes comments like Lawrence’s in stride, but nonetheless feels Hollywood has been unfairly criticized for its portrayal of professional dance.
“When an actor takes on the role of being a dancer, no one ever says they’ve completely mastered being a dancer in four months,” he said. “This is storytelling, and movies are a point of departure. We don’t want ballet to die out or be so precious no movie can demonstrate it. We want it to be relevant.”
Jennifer Lawrence might not have been nominated for any Oscars this year but she still managed to attracted a share of the limelight at the 90th Academy Awards.
The 27-year-old actor, famed for tripping up at the Oscars, could be seen skilfully handling her glass of wine as she intrepidly bounded over chairs to rub shoulders with fellow Hollywood stars.
Lawrence, who was lauded on social media for the display of balance and dexterity, was spotted hiking up her gold gown and clambered over chairs to have a chat with Meryl Streep at the Dolby Theatre.
Oscars 2018: Jodie Foster and Jennifer Lawrence joke with Meryl Streep
Oscars 2018: Best-dressed on the red carpet
26 show all Oscars 2018: Best-dressed on the red carpet
1/26 Saoirse Ronan Praised for her leading role in Lady Bird, the Irish actress sweetened the sartorial stakes in this candy-coloured gown by Calvin Klein. Rex Features
2/26 Lupita Nyong'o and Danai Gurira The Black Panther stars dazzled in their respective gold and blush ensembles. Getty Images
3/26 Sandra Bullock Stunning in lashings of sequins, the Academy Award-winning actress took to the red carpet in a halter-neck gown by Louis Vuitton. Getty Images
4/26 Elizabeth Chambers and Armie Hammer The Call Me By Your Name star attended the ceremony in a crimson velvet tuxedo while his wife, American actress Elizabeth Chambers, opted for a slick, off-the-shoulder gown. Getty Images
5/26 Meryl Streep She may not be the only lady in red at this year's ceremony, but with more Oscar nominations under her belt than any other Hollywood starlet, Streep certainly stands out in this elegant Dior gown. Getty Images
6/26 Daniel Kaluuya The British actor added a touch of splendour to his Brunello Cucinelli tuxedo with a velvet jacket in a dusty mustard hue. Getty Images
7/26 Nicole Kidman Few cut a razor-sharp silhouette on the red carpet like Nicole Kidman - and this Armani Privé gown is no exception. With its wide peplum waist and intricate-tailoring, the Australian actress makes a strong case for best-dressed guest at this year's awards. Getty Images
8/26 Camila Alves, Matthew McConaughey and Timothée Chalamet The 22-year-old Call Me By Your Name actor posed alongside McConaughey and his model wife Alves, with all three coordinating in a triptych of monochromatic mastery. Getty Images
9/26 Emma Stone She took home the coveted gong for best actress at last year's ceremony for her leading role in La La Land. This year, Emma Stone proved her red carpet style credentials yet again in a custom-made Louis Vuitton suit. Getty Images
10/26 Emily Blunt The British actress chose a pale periwinkle couture gown by Schiaparelli complete with a ruffled Victorian neckline and a gently-pleated skirt. Getty Images
11/26 Viola Davis At a first glance, Viola Davis' fluorescent fuchsia gown might have you seeing spots, but the Academy Award-winning actress somehow manages to pack a punch in pink while deterring any Barbie doll disaster comparisons in this Michael Kors gown. Rex Features
12/26 Gal Gadot The Wonder Woman actress revolutionised Twenties glamour in this Givenchy couture flapper dress. Rex Features
13/26 Margot Robbie The Australian actress looked like a Grecian goddess in this optic white Chanel haute couture gown. Getty Images
14/26 Sally Hawkins Nominated for best actress for her role in Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water, the British actress cut a modest silhouette in this long-sleeved shimmering gown. Rex Features
15/26 Jennifer Lawrence Staying true to her Dior loyalties, the Red Sparrow actress channelled metallic mastery in this spaghetti strap gown, hot from the luxury fashion house's pre-fall 2018 collection. Rex Features
16/26 Jennifer Garner The American actress sashayed down the red carpet in this deep blue Atelier Versace gown complete with a dynamic neckline and a billowing train. Getty Images
17/26 Greta Gerwig Taking to the red carpet in custom Rodarte complete with floral appliqué, the best director nominee complemented her golden gown with a slick of red lipstick and an understated chain necklace. Rex Features
18/26 James Ivory The Call Me By Your Name screenwriter donned a custom-made shirt adorned with none other than Timothée Chalamet's face. Unsurprisingly, Ivory's outfit choice proved to be a social media hit amongst fans of the 22-year-old actor, who is nominated for best actor for his performance in the 89-year-old's film. Getty Images
19/26 Gina Rodriguez The American actress was a vision in sparkles in this plunging chiffon gown from Zuhair Murad's spring 2018 couture collection. Getty Images
20/26 Helen Mirren If anyone can elevate the grandeur of regal blue it's British treasure Helen Mirren, who took home an Oscar for her stellar performance in The Queen in 2007. Getty Images
21/26 Laura Dern Complementing her lithe figure, the Big Little Lies star proved that white needn't be dull in this elegant column gown by Calvin Klein. Getty Images
22/26 Salma Hayek A firm friend of Alessandro Michele, it simply wouldn't make sense if Hayek took to the red carpet in anything other than a custom-made Gucci gown, which in this instance comes complete with globular sequins and a tiered Mermaid-like skirt. Getty Images
23/26 Elisabeth Moss Taking to the red carpet in pastel-perfect pink, the Handmaid's Tale star put a sophisticated spin on girlish glamour in this off-the-shoulder Dior gown. Rex Features
24/26 Allison Janney The I,Tonya star opted for an eye-popping scarlet gown by Reem Acra paired with a Roger Vivier clutch. Getty Images
25/26 Zoey Deutch Making her Oscars debut, the 23-year-old actress donned a couture lilac gown by Elie Saab featuring intricate beading detail. Getty Images
26/26 Allison Williams The Get Out star radiated in a pearlescent Armani Privé couture gown, complete with an opulent jewelled bodice and a softly-pleated skirt that gently folded out onto the red carpet. Rex Features
The star made sure not to let go of her wine while doing so. This might not sound particularly noteworthy but it is something most Hollywood celebrities would not dream of doing.
The actor, who wore a gold sequined Dior dress, could later be seen flashing a mischievous grin as she talked to Salma Hayek and Woody Harrelson, while cradling her glass of white wine.
The antics, were hailed as “peak J Law” by Twitter users.
Jennifer Lawrence sure is cool. — Charlie Puth (@charlieputh) March 4, 2018
Jennifer Lawrence and her wine are coming for you. #Oscars90 pic.twitter.com/6kMYykfe2v — Stacy Lambe (@sllambe) March 5, 2018
Jennifer Lawrence is me. pic.twitter.com/uoCimEwIty — Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) March 5, 2018
It is by no means the first time Lawrence has gained attention for her actions at the Oscars. In 2013 she tripped up while attempting to walk to the stage to collect Best Actress for her role in Silver Linings Playbook.
Lawrence, who has starred in X-Men and American Hustle, then tripped over a cone on the red carpet before she being helped up by a security guard the following year.
“I did trip over a cone, I'm not safe," she said afterwards.
