Is Jessica Chastain Feuding With Jennifer Lawrence? The Actress Lays It Out

Society's natural tendency to put actresses into the realm of "celebrity" — the gossip mag-covering, feud-igniting, hotel room-destroying side of celebrity — is because there is a real industry that functions based on watching these public figures flounder. Yet, fortunately, our current crop of leading ladies walk such a perfectly executed line by being elegant...while also elegantly raising the public awareness about their own humanity.

Sure, they can be hilarious (think Jennifer Lawrence's self-deprecating humor), approachably honest (like Dakota Fanning's clever introspection), or polite as hell (when Jessica Chastain took us shopping). Yet, a couple of these ladies remind us that they aren't just incredible at their craft, but they make us proud to give them our ticket money...instead of guiltily scooping up their tabloid stories. The best example: When Anne Hathaway may have had a "wardrobe malfunction" thanks to hundreds of paps photographing her every move, and instead of discussing her underwear on TV, she gracefully reminded us of a woman's constant battle against sexual commodification, straight owning Matt Lauer on live TV.

So, when tabloids concoct some salacious story about two Academy Award-winning actresses having a feud, our Spidey senses prick up. And, according to Jessica Chastain, they should. "I find it very sad that the media makes up bogus stories about women fighting in this industry...Why do we support the myth that women are competitive and cannot get along?" She wrote on her Facebook page Sunday. Sure, Jennifer Lawrence poked fun at Chastain (along with everyone of the nominees), but was, in turn, making fun of a) her competitive nature and b) what Chastain is identifying as media's need to pit ladies against each other. Chastain continues: "I think all of the actresses recognised this year have given incredible performances. But more important, they've all shown themselves to be filled with generosity and kindness."

She then concludes with a truly lovely sentiment, reminding her fans that great performances from women benefit everyone — and petty feuds just support the 'loids. "Please don't allow the media to perpetuate the myth that women aren't supportive of each other. Every time an actress is celebrated for her great work, I cheer. For the more brilliant their performance, the more the audience demands stories about women. With support and encouragement, we help to inspire this industry to create opportunities for women. And as we all know: a great year for women in film, is just a great year for film." Jessica, ladies everywhere cheer for you, as a performer and as a woman. (The Guardian)