🔗 Share this article

Jennifer Lawrence has joined the increasing number of performers who express doubts about the necessity of intimacy coordinators, revealing she chose not to use their services while working on her latest project her upcoming film.

Examining the Role of Intimacy Coordinators

On-set intimacy professionals were introduced following the #MeToo era to ensure the security and comfort of performers during scenes involving partial undress and sexual content. Yet, several prominent actors including Gwyneth Paltrow and other established stars have voiced concerns about their involvement, with some suggesting they disrupt creative flow.

Lawrence's On-Set Perspective

In conversation on the Las Culturistas podcast, while discussing her latest project where she portrays a character experiencing mental health challenges, the actress stated: "We chose not to use an intimacy coordinator, or maybe we did have one but didn't make use of their services... I felt completely safe with Robert."

She continued: "Rob is completely professional and deeply devoted to Suki Waterhouse. What we discussed mostly revolved around family life and relationships. There was absolutely no awkward tension or doubts about professional limits."

"Had there been even a hint of unease, I would have requested an on-set professional. Many male actors take offense if you aren't interested in their advances, and subsequently the negative treatment begins. Rob was not like that."

Professional Validation and Continuing Discussion

Earlier this week, entertainment database IMDb formally acknowledged on-set intimacy professionals as a separate category, together with multiple additional professional roles including dance direction, catering, and puppetry. Previously, they were categorized as "miscellaneous staff" rather than having their specific credit.

Notwithstanding this validation, intimacy coordinators still encounter public discussion suggesting they might not be required standards, with well-known performers rejecting their involvement. Lawrence's perspective echoes that of Jennifer Aniston, who earlier revealed she refused professional supervision while working with her co-star on The Morning Show.

Aniston's Experience

"He proved to be such a gentleman – truly every move, between takes, 'You comfortable?'" she remembered. "The scenes were additionally very choreographed. That's the benefit of working with talented directors, suitable lighting. So, minimal preparation is needed."

Aniston continued, "They offered, 'Having someone check if you're comfortable,' and I responded, 'Please, this is awkward enough!' We're seasoned actors – we can manage appropriately. And we had our director present."

Other Examples and Professional Response

Although including multiple sequences of intimate moments and frequent nudity, the award-winning film – the director's acclaimed film about a adult entertainer and a wealthy heir – filmed without an intimacy coordinator.

The film's star stated she and co-star her screen partner "decided it would be best to keep it small."

"The role I play is a professional in adult entertainment, and I had studied the director's work and recognized his dedication to realism. I was professionally ready for it. As an actress, I treated it as professional work."

These statements provoked significant backlash from intimacy coordinators, mirroring the reaction to another actress's public statements, who earlier this year shared that working on her forthcoming project Marty Supreme represented her initial experience with the emerging role, which she "did not know existed."

Paltrow's Perspective

During filming about comfort level with a particular action alongside fellow actor Timothée Chalamet, the actress responded: "I'm from the era where you remove clothing, you get in bed, the camera's on."

Paltrow added that she and Chalamet then told the coordinator: "We think we're comfortable. You can maintain distance.' I don't know how it is for emerging actors, but... if someone is directing, '{OK, then he's going to place his hand here,' I would feel, as an artist, very stifled by that."

Industry Response

Following these comments, former Channel 4 drama head Caroline Hollick labeled them "concerning" and pointed out that most of those speaking against these professionals have established careers to command their own power and protection on film sets.

"Occasionally an actor makes comments about whether they appreciate on-set professionals or not," commented the executive. "Gwyneth Paltrow stated she came of age in a time when people in Hollywood 'removed clothing and got on with it'. As a established actress in Hollywood working with a man much younger than her, although likely he is comfortable, I considered it somewhat concerning statement."

Actor's Viewpoint

Michael Douglas, meanwhile, shared that he believes the primary responsibility during heterosexual sex scenes falls on the male actor, rather than a third party.

"In my experience, you assume duty as the man to ensure the woman is at ease, you talk through thoroughly," he said. "You communicate, '{OK, I'm going to make contact there if that's acceptable'. It's extremely careful but seems like it's occurring organically, which is hopefully what authentic performance looks like."