In the new W September issue, Editor at Large Lynn Hirschberg handpicked eight fearless, fiercely talented actresses in their teens and 20's to profile as the central characters in some fall's most exciting films. Unlike other generations of actresses, non of these eight women are living in the margins of men. They're creating complex characters that are often at the center of the film.

Photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Martin shot the portraits featured on W's first-ever triple gatefold featuring Yaya DaCosta, Jennifer Lawrence, Greta Gerwig, Kat Dennings, Jessica Chastain, Emma Roberts, Zoe Kravitz, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Below, a few highlights:

Jennifer Lawrence, whose breakout role in Winter's Bone is generating major Oscar buzz, headlines the feature: "Where are the boys? Where are the Robert Redfords and Paul Newmans of my age group? I love James Franco, but where's the next James Franco? Where are the hunks who can act."

Emma Roberts on future possibilities: "I don't know that I'd do a full-on nude scene ever. I've never had a full-on sex scene...but we'll see."

Kat Dennings on her female affinity: "I like girl power. I love the ladies"
-As a kid growing up near PhiladeIphia, "I wanted to be Christopher Walken."

Zoe Kravitz on her approach to intimate scenes: "I'll make a sex scene as uncomfortable as I can just to break the ice."

Mary Elizabeth Winstead on sex scenes: "I prefer to do a love scene with someone I've just met."

Jessica Chastain on prepping for a role: "I went to some strip clubs just to be like, 'Okay there's nothing taboo about it."

Greta Gerwig on the awkwardness of sex: "I think a lot of sex is very awkward. Instances of awkward love making probably outspace instances of beautiful lovemaking, at least in my experience."

Yaya DaCosta on movies she would like to make: "The first movie I remember seeing was The Red Balloon, which is silent, and it made me feel things that I'd love to make other people feel."

The September issue is on newsstands nationally August 24th. Below, links to the complete story, and slideshow. Enjoy!

Story:
Slideshow: