Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez emerged as one of the most iconic couples during the modern gossip era. Their romance initially captivated the public’s attention, marked by a high-profile engagement that unfortunately came to an end in 2004. Despite the breakup, the duo maintained a lingering connection that persisted through the years.
In a recent interview, Ben Affleck reignited interest in their dynamic when he playfully teased the possibility of an Oscar nomination for Jennifer Lopez. Affleck openly expressed his admiration for Lopez’s performance in her acclaimed film, Hustlers. This unexpected endorsement from Affleck not only showcased his continued support for Lopez but also added a new layer of intrigue to their current bond.
Ben Affleck’s Candid Admiration of Jennifer Lopez’s Talent
Despite the passage of 21 years since the whirlwind romance between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, the former remains remarkably candid about his sentiments toward his ex-fiancée. In a recent interview, the acclaimed Batman v. Superman star expressed genuine respect and admiration for Lopez. Affleck went on to assert that Lopez is more than deserving of an Oscar nomination, particularly for her outstanding performance in Hustlers. Affleck told The New York Times,
“She should have been nominated. She’s the real thing. I keep in touch periodically with her and have a lot of respect for her. How awesome is it that she had her biggest hit movie at 50? That’s f—ing baller.”
Their journey as a couple began in 2002 when Affleck and Lopez crossed paths on the set of the film Gigli. The chemistry between them was undeniable, leading to a swift engagement later that year. However, their romantic escapade faced challenges, culminating in a separation in 2004. Despite the breakup, Affleck and Lopez maintained intermittent contact, keeping alive a connection between them.
Jennifer Lopez’s Hustlers Performance faced Backlash during the awards season
Despite the commercial success of Hustlers, surpassing the $100 million mark in domestic box office earnings, the film faced a surprising lack of recognition during the awards season. Many industry experts initially anticipated Lopez to be a strong contender for major supporting actress awards due to her compelling portrayal of Ramona. However, the movie did not gain the expected traction in prestigious awards ceremonies such as the Oscars.
Despite the Oscars overlooking her performance, Jennifer Lopez did receive nominations at both the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards for her role in Hustlers. This marked her second Golden Globes nomination, with her first dating back to 1997 for her lead performance as the iconic singer Selena in the biopic of the Latin performer. Unfortunately, she faced tough competition at the Golden Globes, losing out to Laura Dern for her role in Marriage Story.
Jennifer Lopez’s depiction of a real-life stripper in Hustlers garnered widespread acclaim, with some critics suggesting it to be a career-best performance for the seasoned actress. The Los Angeles Film Critics Association recognized her outstanding work by naming her the best supporting actress for the film. So, Jennifer Lopez’s portrayal of Ramona has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on her career.
Frequently asked questions
What did Ben Affleck say about Jennifer Lopez’s Hustlers performance?
Speaking to The New York Times, Ben Affleck said Jennifer Lopez should have been nominated for her work in Hustlers, calling her the real thing and praising the fact that she landed her biggest hit movie at 50. His comments framed her turn as the film’s crime-drama lead as awards-worthy and among the strongest of her career.
Who does Jennifer Lopez play in Hustlers?
In the crime drama Hustlers, Jennifer Lopez plays Ramona, a shrewd stripper who orchestrates schemes to take money from wealthy Wall Street clients and gradually becomes an unexpected ringleader. The role, based on real events, was widely praised by critics and is frequently cited as one of the finest and most commanding performances of Lopez’s screen career.
Did Hustlers earn Jennifer Lopez any awards recognition?
Although the Oscars overlooked her, Lopez received Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations for Hustlers, and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association named her best supporting actress. It marked her second Golden Globe nod, following her 1997 recognition for Selena. The film also topped 100 million dollars domestically, making the awards-season snub a surprise to many industry observers.
