Actress Jennifer Lawrence is celebrating her best leading actress Oscar nomination for her role in the gritty film “Winter’s Bone.” The 20-year-old actress shared what she was doing when she first heard the news early Tuesday (January 25, 2011) morning.

“I was in my living room, looking at the TV. Standing around with my friends and family. And, I was just kind of shocked, because, you know, like the second that they said my name my life changed.”

Unknown a year ago, Lawrence finds herself in the company of veterans Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole,” Natalie Portman in “Black Swan,” Annette Bening in “The Kids Are All Right,” and Michelle Williams in “Blue Valentine” for the category. “It’s such a tremendous honor, and to just to be in the same sentence with the women who I’m in the same category with, that I’ve looked up to for so long. It’s unbelievable.”

Lawrence plays a poor Ozark teenager facing eviction as she struggles to keep her family together as she journeys through her drug-infested community to find her missing father in the dark drama. The Louisville, Kentucky native says the role reflects very little of her personality except for her tendency to be stubborn at times.

“I think a character should always be completely created. You know, it can be kind of draining to draw completely from yourself.” Lawrencecited the performances of legendary actresses who have inspired her work.

“Love Sissy Spacek’s role in ‘Badlands.’ I’ve loved that. Gena Rowlands, I mean I couldn’t do it, but Gena Rowlands performance in ‘A Woman Under the Influence,’ is just the best. It’s the greatest.”

She also named Charlize Theron and Lucille Ball among the female performers she admires. Lawrence starred opposite Theron in director Guillermo Arriaga’s directorial debut “The Burning Plain” in 2008. “Winter’s Bone” earned four Oscar nominations, including best picture.