Jennifer Aniston strips away the usual glamour and style for her intimate performance in the film “Cake,” which is earning her rave reviews and plenty of Oscar buzz.
When asked if she felt there was too much emphasis on the “deglamorization” of women in order to get recognized for awards, Aniston acknowledged that there is a bit of truth to the notion that actresses “in some cases” have to “turn into the elephant man in order to get any kind of respect,” but she added, “There have been plenty of beautiful women who are beautiful in their performances physically and emotionally.”
For her own acting performance in the Daniel Barnz-directed “Cake,” which she also produced, Aniston was stripped bare of the usual trappings of Hollywood beauty, offering a raw and unfiltered portrayal of an unpleasant woman named Claire Simmons, who’s suffering with chronic pain and finds herself consumed with the suicide of a woman (Anna Kendrick) in her support group.
Halle Berry (“Monster’s Ball”) and Charlize Theron (“Monster”) both won Oscars while downplaying their beauty, but Aniston is pleased with her role in “Cake” regardless of whether it nets her the big award.
“I think for me I’m just grateful to even be in that conversation,” Aniston told TheWrap’s executive editor Joseph Kapsch of the acclaim the film has been receiving. “For me, it’s interesting because I really wanted to get this kind of a performance in for my own self as an actor, because it is easy to sit and be comfortable in the jobs that come easily to you.”
Aniston suspects that more actors have these kinds of characters they’d like to explore, but that the current state of film-making makes it more difficult.
“We aren’t given the opportunity because we’re also in an industry that’s extremely specific and maybe not very imaginative at times, and there’s money to make,” she said. “So you’ve gotta sort of scream a little louder, fight a little harder, bang a little drum louder.”
Of the accolades surrounding the film and her performance, Aniston said she was “so flattered,” adding, “It’s so nice to hear that about something that you care so much about.”
The “Friends” star also selected some of her film roles she’s most proud of from throughout her career, and talked about the necessary challenges in going “small” so that movies like “Cake” can get made.
15 of Jennifer Aniston's Winners and Losers at the Box Office (Photos)
"Wanderlust" (2012)
Aniston's most recent release featured Paul Rudd and future husband Justin Theroux -- and the positives end at that. "Wanderlust" earned only $22 million worldwide.
"Horrible Bosses" (2011)
The ensemble comedy saw Aniston in a supporting but memorable role as Charlie Day's sexually harassing boss. With a gross of $210 million and an upcoming sequel, put this one in the hits column.
"Just Go With It" (2011)
The combination of Aniston and Adam Sandler proved to be a winner with audiences, scoring an impressive $215 million total at the box office.
"The Switch" (2010)
Aniston starred opposite fellow sitcom alum Jason Bateman ... and they may have wished they kept their day jobs the way this one ended up, grossing just $50 million.
"The Bounty Hunter" (2010)
The romantic comedy starred Aniston and Gerard Butler -- and was a medium-sized success at the box office, making $136 million against a $40 million budget. The critics were not as forgiving.
"Love Happens" (2009)
It turns out Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston were not a match made in heaven -- the duo couldn't draw in the crowds with the film earning just $36 million.
"He's Just Not That Into You" (2009)
Aniston was one of the big pieces in the massive ensemble for the best-selling book's adaptation. The end result turned out relatively well, grossing $179 million worldwide.
"Management" (2008)
Even though it was an indie, not even breaking $1 million domestically and only $2.4 million worldwide makes "Management" Aniston's lowest grossing movie -- and a definite flop.
"Marley and Me" (2008)
Aniston and Owen Wilson's doggie weeper found just the right audience during its holiday run and earned a very respectable $243 million worldwide.
"The Break-Up" (2006)
Vince Vaughn and Aniston were dating at the time of the film's release, which may have piqued some theater-goers interest. Either way it ended up a hit with a healthy total of $205 million.
"Rumor Has It" (2005)
Jen learns her family was the basis for "The Graduate" in this 2005 comedy, however, it coulnd't live up to the classic, with a total cume of just $89 million.
"Derailed" (2005)
Aniston gave a dramatic turn alongside Clive Owen that proved forgettable with critics and at the box-office, netting a mere $57.5 million.
"Along Came Polly" (2004)
The pairing of Aniston and Stiller as opposites who fall in love hit the mark with audiences despite negative reviews from critics, earning $172 million worldwide.
"Bruce Almighty" (2003)
The biggest hit of her career, "Bruce Almighty" made nearly $500 million worldwide and helped to solidify her movie career as "Friends" was coming to an end.
"The Good Girl" (2002)
Aniston gave what is widely considered one of her best performances in the indie, which also proved a modest success at the box office, doubling its budget with a gross of around $17 million.
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Which side of the tracks will "We're the Millers" land on Jennifer Aniston's resume?
"Wanderlust" (2012)
Aniston's most recent release featured Paul Rudd and future husband Justin Theroux -- and the positives end at that. "Wanderlust" earned only $22 million worldwide.
