For Jennifer Lopez, every project represents an opportunity to push boundaries — not just for herself, but also for an industry that’s still catching up with the reality of acting. Whether she’s playing a struggling single mother in the new film “Unstoppable” or diving into the layered role of Aurora in the upcoming musical “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” Lopez’s career continues to soar as she continues to define herself in the industry.
In a candid interview on diverseOn the Awards Circuit podcast, Lopez spoke about her decades-long career, the challenges she faced being a Latina actress in Hollywood, and her belief in the power of art to inspire and unify. Listen below!
“I heard someone say that positive change is slow — and it is — but as long as we’re going in the right direction, that’s what matters,” Lopez says. “When I started, there weren’t a lot of roles for Latina women. I was auditioning for parts with accents and stereotypes. I kept thinking: Why can’t I play a romantic role? Why can’t I be the girl next door? And that belief — that conviction that I belong — is… What helped me break those molds.
Lopez’s latest film, “Unstoppable,” tells the true story of Anthony Robles, a one-legged wrestler who defied the odds to become champion. Directed by Billy Goldenberg and co-starring Jharrel Jerome, the film is as much about Robles’ journey as it is about his mother, Judy, who fought tirelessly to support him.
“It’s not often that you have a movie like this,” Lopez says. diverse. “I got to know her. She understood their upbringing, the struggles, the relationships, the sacrifices Judy made for her son. She realized, early on, that if she didn’t accept her child, how would he accept himself? That moment of love and growth — it’s universal.”
Lopez’s admiration for Robles and his mother is evident when she describes their encounter during the film’s production. “Anthony’s energy is contagious,” she says with a smile. “He’s so positive and full of life despite everything he faces. It’s a blessing to be around him. I hope the story resonates with people, not just as a Latino story, but as an American story of triumph and love.”
Lopez insists that what sets “Unstoppable” apart is its universality. “This is an American story. It’s about family and resilience and the idea that no matter what you’re facing, you can overcome it. These are themes that everyone can relate to.”
Lopez’s journey to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood has not been without challenges. Lopez, who grew up in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, said she didn’t always feel like she belonged in the rooms she found herself in. “Impostor syndrome is real, especially when you come from neighborhoods like mine.” He confesses. “But I’ve learned that it’s about what you tell yourself. You have to redirect that inner voice. When doubts creep in — ‘I don’t belong here, I’m not good enough’ — you need to replace them with ‘No, I worked too hard.'” I “I belong here. It’s the mentality that changes everything.”
Lopez believes this mindset is crucial in times of social and political unrest. Speaking a few weeks after the controversial election results in the United States, Lopez emphasized the role of artists in promoting unity. “It is more important than ever to spread love, positivity and unity in the world,” she says passionately. “This is the time when artists go to work; When we use our voices and platforms to bring people together. It’s easy to get discouraged, but I remind myself every day to focus on the good, and tell stories that inspire and uplift people. That’s what “Unstoppable” is about.
Lopez’s next project is the highly anticipated adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, directed by Bill Condon. The film offers Lopez the opportunity to play three distinct characters: Aurora, the glamorous actress; Her role in the film – a haunting character known as Spider Woman; And the alter ego of Spider-Woman.
“This is probably the most challenging and rewarding role I have ever had,” Lopez said. “It’s about love and acceptance and finding beauty in the darkness. I think those themes are very relevant right now.”
Lopez also talks about the joy of collaborating with composer John Kander, who co-wrote the famous score. “John Kander was in the studio with me when I recorded my songs,” she says, still clearly moved by the experience. “He’s 97 years old and still full of life. Hearing him say: ‘I’ve never heard this song sung better’ – it was one of the best moments of my career.”
In addition to working with Condon, Lopez shares the screen with Diego Luna. “It’s a dark story, but it’s also a story about love and survival — and about helping each other through tough times,” she says. “I think that’s the message we really need right now.”
Lopez reflects on the path that brought her here as our conversation winds down. From her breakout role in the 1997 film “Selena” to her status as a romantic comedy icon and now as a producer and diversity advocate, her career defies easy categorization. However, for Lopez, the dividing line is clear: storytelling.
“I do it for the love of art,” she says. “It’s not about awards or accolades. It’s about telling stories that matter — stories that make people feel seen, and stories that inspire them. That’s what keeps me going.”
Also in this episode, the Awards Circle Roundtable shares its picks for what to watch on Thanksgiving weekend.
Here are this week’s Oscars predictions (in alphabetical order) in all 23 categories.
Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jaz Tangkai, Emily Longeretta, Jenelle Reilly, and Michael Schneider, who also produces, is your one-stop source for lively conversations about the best in film and television. Each episode of “Awards Circuit” includes interviews with top film and TV talent and creators, discussions and debates on award races, industry headlines, and more. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you download podcasts