Is Jennifer Lawrence on course for another Oscar? The first ‘American Hustle’ reviews seem to think so

It was a very good weekend for Jennifer Lawrence. As if the Oscar-winning actress didn’t have enough to celebrate, after the record-breaking $161 million haul for "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," her upcoming film “American Hustle” screened for the first time and drummed up some serious awards season buzz.

On Sunday night, studio Sony held the first screening of "American Hustle," director David O. Russell’s star-studded follow-up "Silver Linings Playbook," and while no official reviews of the crime drama have been published due to embargo, critics across the board praised Lawrence’s performance as the fiery Rosalyn Rosenfeld.

Deadline’s Pete Hammond called the 24-year-old actress "simply dazzling," a "total knockout scene-stealer," and pegged her as a serious Oscar contender for Best Supporting Actress. "If she hadn’t already won last year as Best Actress for Russell’s 'Silver Linings Playbook,' there is no doubt she might be unbeatable here," he wrote.

Though HitFix writer Kristopher Tapley didn’t seem blown away by the movie, he said Lawrence practically "buzzes on the screen," adding that "the film really jumps to life" whenever she’s in a scene. "I wouldn't be surprised to see her become the most recognized element of the cast: her biggest moment in the film got a mid-screening burst of applause from the largely SAG audience."

Vulture’s Kyle Buchanan was slightly more measured, but still expects big things from Lawrence: "After the film ended, the blogger in front of me mused out loud, 'Is Jennifer Lawrence gonna get another Oscar?' I wouldn't go that far, but she's likely to score a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the very least, since her muckraking character provides some of the movie's best moments."

The awards season oddsmakers at Gold Derby also seem to think Lawrence is a slam dunk for the Best Supporting Actress trophy this year based on her "American Hustle" performance. "She could easily pull off an Oscars heist next and do what no other star has ever done: win in a supporting race one year after prevailing in lead."

Reaction on Twitter was equally enthusiastic. Several people who attended the screening took to the social network to weigh in on JLaw’s performance.

Inspired by the real-life ABSCAM sting operation, "American Hustle" follows con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) as he is forced, along his partner in crime Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), to help F.B.I. agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) take down a New Jersey politician (Jeremy Renner). Lawrence plays Rosenfeld’s unpredictable wife Rosalyn, a person whose actions could have serious repercussions for her swindling husband and the FBI's investigation.

"American Hustle" hits theatres on December 25. Watch the trailer below: