Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman’s Body Confidence Lesson
Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman are changing the conversation around body image in Hollywood. During the filming of The Hunting Wives, the two actresses faced intimate scenes that brought up familiar insecurities. Instead of spiraling into self-criticism, they chose a different path: radical self-acceptance and mutual support.
Their story offers a refreshing perspective on how women can reframe negative self-talk and celebrate their bodies. It’s a reminder that confidence isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about showing up authentically and supporting each other along the way.
The Moment That Changed Everything
Before filming their first intimate scene together, both Akerman and Snow experienced intense nerves. Like many women, they were accustomed to “dissecting our own bodies and looking in the mirror and finding all the things that were wrong with our bodies,” Akerman revealed in a recent interview.
Rather than allowing those insecurities to take over, Akerman stopped the spiral. She turned to Snow and said, “Britt, you know what? We’re f—— beautiful. We’ve worked hard for these bodies. We’ve worked hard our whole lives and you’re a beautiful f—— person and let’s not do this…Let’s just go out there and have a great time…let’s just be in it together and let’s support each other right now and let’s just feel great about ourselves and let’s just, I look at you and you’re beautiful, and let’s celebrate our bodies right now.”
Akerman called it a “cheerleading moment” and described it as “beautiful.” That single conversation shifted the energy on set and became a foundation for their work together.
Why This Matters for Women Over 40
Snow expressed pride in representing women over 40 in sexual roles, noting how rare these portrayals are in Hollywood. The entertainment industry has long marginalized older women, especially when it comes to depicting them as desirable, sexual beings. By stepping into these roles with confidence, Snow and Akerman are challenging outdated narratives.
Their willingness to be vulnerable on screen also normalizes real bodies—not the airbrushed, filtered versions we often see. This authenticity resonates deeply with viewers who are tired of unrealistic beauty standards.
Creating a Supportive Environment on Set
Akerman emphasized that the supportive atmosphere on The Hunting Wives set was crucial to the success of their performances. She noted there was “a support group between every take and everyone just wants everyone to win.”
This kind of environment doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional effort from cast and crew to prioritize emotional safety alongside creative excellence. When actors feel supported, they can take risks and deliver more authentic performances.
How to Apply Their Approach to Your Own Life
You don’t need to be on a TV set to benefit from Snow and Akerman’s approach to body confidence. Here are some practical ways to apply their lessons:
Practice Positive Self-Talk
Notice when you’re engaging in negative self-talk about your body. Interrupt that pattern by speaking to yourself the way Akerman spoke to Snow—with kindness, appreciation, and respect. Acknowledge the work your body does for you every day.
Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Seek out friends and communities that celebrate bodies of all shapes and sizes. Distance yourself from people who perpetuate harmful beauty standards or engage in body shaming.
Focus on What Your Body Can Do
Instead of fixating on appearance, celebrate your body’s capabilities. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, or simply getting through a busy day, your body deserves recognition for its strength and resilience.
Prep Your Skin for Confidence
Taking care of your skin can help you feel more confident in your body. Products like the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum provide deep hydration and support skin elasticity, while the La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum brightens and evens skin tone for a radiant complexion.
Enhance Your Natural Beauty
Makeup can be a powerful tool for self-expression and confidence. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder creates a smooth, airbrushed finish, while the NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush adds a natural flush of color. For a polished look, try the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation for buildable coverage that lasts all day.
Give Your Lips Some Love
Lip care is often overlooked but can make a big difference in how you feel. The LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask provides overnight hydration, while the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm offers daily nourishment. For a pop of color with hydration, the rhode Peptide Lip Tint is a great option.
The Power of Female Friendship
The chemistry between Snow and Akerman extends beyond their on-screen roles. Their friendship is built on mutual respect and admiration, which translates into authentic performances. Some fans even speculated about a potential romance between the two based on their undeniable connection.
This speaks to something important: when women genuinely support each other, it creates a powerful energy that others can feel. Whether in friendship or professional relationships, that kind of connection is transformative.
Redefining Beauty Standards
Hollywood has long perpetuated narrow definitions of beauty, but actors like Snow and Akerman are pushing back. By embracing their bodies and supporting each other, they’re showing that beauty comes in many forms.
This shift is happening across industries. More brands are featuring diverse body types in their campaigns. More influencers are sharing unfiltered photos. More people are rejecting diet culture and embracing body neutrality or body positivity.
The work isn’t finished, but progress is being made. Every time someone chooses self-acceptance over self-criticism, they contribute to a broader cultural shift.
Protecting Your Skin for the Long Term
While embracing your body as it is right now is crucial, taking care of your skin is also an act of self-love. Daily sun protection with the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 helps prevent premature aging and protects against harmful UV rays.
Pair your sunscreen with quality makeup that enhances rather than masks your natural beauty. The Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer provides seamless coverage for a fresh, natural look.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman’s story is a powerful reminder that body confidence starts with how we speak to ourselves and each other. Their “cheerleading moment” on the set of The Hunting Wives wasn’t just about getting through a scene—it was about choosing to celebrate their bodies instead of tearing them down.
You can create your own cheerleading moments. Start by noticing when negative thoughts arise, then consciously redirect them. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Focus on what your body enables you to do rather than how it looks. And remember that taking care of yourself—whether through skincare, makeup, or simply rest—is an act of self-respect.
The journey to body confidence isn’t linear, and it doesn’t happen overnight. But with intentional effort and the right support, it’s absolutely possible. Take a page from Snow and Akerman’s book: be kind to yourself, celebrate your body, and lift up the women around you.