Jennifer Aniston: Not Wearing Makeup in Cake Was "So Dreamy and Empowering and Liberating"

"When I read the script, I was ready to disappear." Jen said. "It was so empowering and liberating to just put scars on my face."

By Rebecca Macatee Nov 06, 2014 6:15 PMTags
Jennifer AnistonAKM-GSI

Most movie stars spend a lot of time in the makeup chair.

They're naturally good-looking, sure, but harsh lighting and high-def lenses are kind to no one. Jennifer Aniston got the rare chance to throw her foundation to the wind in Cake — and wearing no makeup during filming, she revealed Saturday at Deadline's "Contenders" panel, was "so fabulous, and so dreamy and empowering and liberating."

"The only time I had to sit in the makeup chair was just for scars," she added. And indeed, we've gotten several glimpses of Jen's character, Claire Simmons, with a prominent mark on her face. In the drama, which is already drawing Oscar-buzz, Claire is in a support group for people who suffer from chronic pain. Presumably, the scar on her face is a lingering visible reminder of whatever accident or trauma she endured's the source of this pain. 

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"When I read the script, I was ready to disappear." Jen said. "It was so empowering and liberating to just put scars on my face."

In the Daniel Barnz-directed movie, Jen's character delves into the life of another group member (played by Anna Kendrick) who commits suicide. Ultimately, she develops a relationship with her former group member's widower (played by Sam Worthington).

Other big names in the flick include Chris Messina, who plays the ex-husband of Jen's character, and Felicity Huffman, the leader of the support group. William H. Macy, Marianna Jean-Baptiste, Britt Robertson and Lucy Walters also star.

"It was just an embarrassment of riches," Jen gushed to The Hollywood Reporter of Cake's cast. "It was a dream come true [with] everyone that was coming aboard, one after the next."

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