Acting often requires stepping far outside of one’s comfort zone, and few challenges test that boundary more than appearing nude on screen. Whether it's part of an intense love scene or a raw, vulnerable moment, these scenes can become iconic in cinema history. Recent examples—like Barry Keoghan’s nude dance in Saltburn or Demi Moore’s poignant mirror scene in The Substance—have certainly sparked discussion among moviegoers.
Over the past decade, Hollywood has made significant strides in improving safety during such scenes, thanks to the rise of intimacy coordinators and the use of closed sets. However, stories from actors who felt pressured into on-screen nudity highlight the importance of approaching these moments with sensitivity and respect.
While some performers embrace nude scenes without hesitation, others grow into that comfort over time—and some simply choose to avoid them altogether. Each approach is valid and deserves respect.
For those who do decide to bare it all, their performances have contributed to memorable cinematic moments, advanced conversations around body image, and in some cases, empowered actresses to reclaim autonomy over how their bodies are portrayed—challenging a long-standing history of objectification in the industry.
1 Margaret Qualley
2 Mikey Madison
3 Emma Stone
4 Jennifer Lawrence
5 Jennifer Aniston
6 Florence Pugh
7 Charlize Theron
8 Natalie Portman
9 Kristen Dunst
10 Léa Seydoux
