It’s been touch and go for a while last week, but this week, it’s finally official, according to The Hollywood Reporter Jennifer Lawrence will star in the film adaptation of “The Hunger Games.”

According to the site, the actress, who starred in the Oscar-nominated film “Winter’s Bone” has been picked to play the lead role in the film, Katniss Everdeen. Suzanne Collins, author of the “Hunger Games”s series, praised Lawrence’s acting skills, saying, “Jennifer’s just an incredible actress. So powerful, vulnerable, beautiful, unforgiving and brave. I never thought we’d find somebody this perfect for the role.”

Gary Ross, director of the film, also gave a positive assessment of Lawrence, saying, “Katniss requires a young actress with strength, depth, complexity, tenderness and power. There are very few people alive who can bring that to a role. Jen brings it in spades.”

Lawrence is one of the a few actresses who were being considered for the role; the list included Abigail Breslin and “True Grit”‘s breakout star, Hailee Steinfeld. In fact, Shockya reported earlier this year about Steinfeld’s heavy interest in landing the role. We also reported about the likelihood that Lawrence would be cast in the lead role.

“The Hunger Games” will be in theaters March 23, 2012. Make sure to check out Shockya’s “Hunger Games” hub by clicking here.