The Oscar-winning actress Reveals Why She Didn't Use an On-Set Intimacy Professional on New Film Die My Love

The acclaimed actress has become part of the growing list of actors who express doubts about the necessity of intimacy coordinators, explaining she opted against their services while filming her new movie Die My Love.

Understanding the Purpose of On-Set Intimacy Professionals

Intimacy coordinators emerged following the #MeToo era to ensure the safety and ease of performers during scenes involving partial undress and intimate moments. However, several prominent actors including Gwyneth Paltrow and other established stars have expressed reservations about their presence, with some claiming they disrupt artistic process.

Lawrence's On-Set Perspective

In conversation on the Las Culturistas podcast, while discussing her latest project where she plays a character descending into postpartum disturbance, Lawrence commented: "We did not have such a professional, or maybe we had the option but didn't make use of their services... I felt entirely secure with Robert."

She continued: "Rob is completely professional and very committed to Suki Waterhouse. Our conversations mostly revolved around family life and relationships. There was absolutely no uncomfortable moments or doubts about personal boundaries."

"Had there been the slightest indication of unease, I would have requested an on-set professional. Numerous male performers take offense if you aren't interested in their attention, and subsequently the negative treatment starts. Rob was completely different."

Industry Recognition and Ongoing Debate

Earlier this week, entertainment database IMDb officially recognized on-set intimacy professionals as a separate category, together with eleven other crew positions including dance direction, craft services, and puppetry. Previously, they were categorized as "miscellaneous staff" instead of having their specific credit.

Notwithstanding this validation, these professionals continue to face public discussion suggesting they aren't necessarily industry essential, with well-known actors declining their participation. Lawrence's perspective echoes that of Jennifer Aniston, who previously shared she declined professional supervision while working with her co-star on The Morning Show.

Aniston's Experience

"Jon was extremely respectful – truly each action, between takes, 'You comfortable?'" she recalled. "It was additionally carefully planned. That's the benefit of working with skilled editors, appropriate music. So, you don't prepare."

Aniston continued, "Production suggested, 'Professional verification if you're comfortable,' and I thought, 'Honestly, this is awkward enough!' We're seasoned actors – we can handle this. And we had Mimi on set."

Other Examples and Professional Response

Despite featuring multiple sequences of sexual activity and frequent nudity, Anora – Sean Baker's Oscar-winning film about a adult entertainer and a wealthy heir – filmed without an on-set professional.

The film's star stated she and fellow actor Mark Eydelshteyn "decided it would be preferable to keep it small."

"The role I play is a sex worker, and I had studied the director's work and understood his commitment to authenticity. I was professionally ready for it. As an performer, I treated it as professional work."

Her comments provoked significant backlash from industry professionals, mirroring the response to another actress's recent comments, who earlier this year revealed that filming her new movie Marty Supreme represented her first encounter with the emerging role, which she "was unaware of previously."

Paltrow's Perspective

During filming about comfort level with a specific move alongside fellow actor her younger counterpart, the actress responded: "I belong to the era where you remove clothing, you assume position, the camera's on."

She continued that she and her co-star then told the professional: "We think we're comfortable. You can step back.' I can't speak to how it is for newer performers, but... if someone is instructing, '{OK, then he's going to place his hand here,' I would feel, as an artist, extremely restricted by that."

Professional Reaction

Following these comments, former Channel 4 drama head Caroline Hollick labeled them "irresponsible" and pointed out that the majority of those opposing intimacy coordinators have established careers to command their own power and protection on film sets.

"Occasionally an performer shares opinions about whether they appreciate intimacy coordinators or not," commented the executive. "Gwyneth Paltrow mentioned she came of age in a time when people in Hollywood 'removed clothing and got on with it'. As a established actress in Hollywood performing alongside a actor much younger than her, while I'm sure Chalamet is comfortable, I considered it quite an irresponsible statement."

Male Perspective

The veteran actor, meanwhile, expressed that he believes the main obligation during heterosexual sex scenes rests with the male actor, instead of a external professional.

"Based on my career, you assume duty as the man to ensure the woman is comfortable, you talk through thoroughly," he said. "You communicate, '{OK, I'm going to touch you here if that's acceptable'. It's extremely careful but appears like it's occurring organically, which is hopefully what convincing acting looks like."

Jonathan Martin
Jonathan Martin

An avid hiker and gear reviewer with a passion for sustainable outdoor living and sharing practical advice for adventurers.