The Oscar-winning actress Reveals Why She Declined an On-Set Intimacy Professional on Latest Project Her Upcoming Movie
The acclaimed actress has become part of the growing list of actors who voice skepticism about the necessity of intimacy coordinators, revealing she chose not to use their services while filming her new movie Die My Love.
Understanding the Role of Intimacy Coordinators
Intimacy coordinators emerged following the #MeToo movement to guarantee the security and ease of performers during scenes involving nudity and intimate moments. Yet, numerous well-known performers including Jennifer Aniston and other established stars have voiced concerns about their presence, with several claiming they disrupt creative flow.
Lawrence's Personal Experience
In conversation on the Las Culturistas podcast, while promoting her latest project where she portrays a character experiencing mental health challenges, the actress stated: "We did not have 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: "He is completely professional and deeply devoted to his partner. What we discussed primarily focused on family life and personal connections. There was absolutely no awkward tension or questions about professional limits."
"If there was the slightest indication of unease, I would have insisted on an intimacy coordinator. Many male actors get upset if you aren't interested in their advances, and then the negative treatment starts. Rob was completely different."
Industry Recognition and Continuing Discussion
Recently, entertainment database IMDb formally acknowledged intimacy coordinators as a separate category, together with eleven other professional roles including dance direction, catering, and puppetry. Before this, they were grouped under "additional crew" rather than having their specific credit.
Despite this recognition, these professionals still encounter public discussion suggesting they might not be industry essential, with high-profile performers rejecting their involvement. Jennifer's viewpoint echoes that of another prominent actress, who previously shared she refused intimacy coordination while working with her co-star on The Morning Show.
Jennifer's Perspective
"Jon was such a gentleman – truly every move, between takes, 'Are you OK?" she remembered. "The scenes were also very choreographed. That's the advantage of working with talented directors, appropriate music. So, you don't prepare."
She added, "Production suggested, 'Professional verification if you're comfortable,' and I responded, 'Honestly, this is sufficiently uncomfortable!' We're seasoned actors – we can manage appropriately. And we had our director present."
Additional Cases and Industry Reaction
Despite featuring multiple sequences of sexual activity and regular undress, the award-winning film – Sean Baker's acclaimed film about a adult entertainer and a Russian oligarch's son – filmed without an on-set professional.
The film's star explained she and co-star Mark Eydelshteyn "decided it would be best to keep it small."
"My character is a professional in adult entertainment, and I had studied the director's work and understood his commitment to authenticity. I was mentally prepared for it. As an actress, I treated it as part of my job."
These statements provoked strong reactions from industry professionals, mirroring the response to another actress's public statements, who earlier this year revealed that filming her forthcoming project her latest film marked her initial experience with the relatively new profession, which she "did not know existed."
Gwyneth's Viewpoint
During filming about comfort level with a particular action alongside fellow actor her younger counterpart, the actress responded: "I belong to the era where you remove clothing, you get in bed, the filming begins."
Paltrow added that she and Chalamet then informed the professional: "We think we're comfortable. You can step back.' I don't know how it is for emerging actors, but... if someone is instructing, '{OK, then he's going to place his hand here,' I would feel, as an creative professional, 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 security on production locations.
"Occasionally an actor makes comments about whether they value intimacy coordinators or not," said Hollick. "The actress stated she grew up in a time when industry professionals 'removed clothing and proceeded professionally'. As a powerful woman in Hollywood working with a man considerably junior than her, although likely Chalamet is comfortable, I considered it quite an irresponsible remark."
Actor's Viewpoint
Michael Douglas, in contrast, expressed that he believes the main obligation during heterosexual sex scenes falls on the male actor, instead of a external professional.
"In my experience, you assume duty as the man to ensure the woman is comfortable, you talk through completely," he said. "You communicate, '{OK, I'm going to touch you here if that's agreeable'. It's extremely careful but seems like it's happening naturally, which is ideally what authentic performance looks like."