Jennifer Lopez Talks Back to Oscar Buzz for Kiss of the Spider Woman

With Oscar talk heating up this season, Jennifer Lopez weighs in on the buzz surrounding her performance in Kiss of the Spider Woman. The movie is based on the Manuel Puig novel of the same name, which was later adapted into a stage musical. Like that of the stage rendition, the Lopez-led film is also set to get a song-filled treatment.

The film is releasing imminently on October 10. Prior to this release date, Lopez participated in an interview with Sunday Morning, wherein she discussed her Oscar chances for Kiss of the Spider Woman. In the interview, she mentioned that while she is not getting her hopes up, "it's great to be in the conversation."

Check out her full quote below:

"I don’t [put those expectations anywhere.] I learned my lesson last time. But also, the joy, for me, is in doing it. Every single moment. It's great to be in the conversation, among… like, you're doing work that people recognize, and that they love. That's enough.

It's not that you can't want more, or that you don't wanna stand up there and say thank you. Of course, we all want that. But I realized that I don't need it in the way that maybe I thought when I was younger. Not that I wouldn't love it. I just wanna do that little disclaimer! I'd be very grateful for that, too."

Lopez is referring to a very specific awards season lesson that she learned back in 2019. She played a pivotal role in the film Hustlers, which earned her widespread acclaim from critics. This led to early claims that Lopez could be a frontrunner for a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Oscars.

Read Also Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

Those chances were looking even likelier when she managed to score significant nominations such as the Golden Globes and the Critics Choice Awards. But when it came time for Oscar nominations that season, Lopez did not make the cut.

It seems that the actor has fears that this could happen again with Spider Woman, given her experience with Hustlers. But this time, she will take a more level-headed outlook going into the coveted awards season, not expecting anything in either direction.

There are still over three months to go until Lopez's Oscar nomination fate is revealed, and even longer before winners will be announced. This season, Oscar nominations are planned for the morning of Thursday, January 22, 2026.

While Hustlers proves that this is not an absolute indicator, key awards leading up to the Oscars will partially indicate how likely Lopez's chances will be. Both the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, for instance, release their nominations in early December.

Kiss of the Spider Woman does have decent early reviews, with a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer currently at 83% with 52 reviews. Reviews are not the only thing that can lead an actor to an Oscar victory, but they certainly help.

All these factors will influence whether Lopez ultimately walks away with a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Kiss of the Spider Woman. The question will still remain for several months: will this be a first for Lopez, or a repeat of her Hustlers snub?

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

My list of must-try jean trends for 2026 is growing; it currently includes all the silhouettes one denim expert revealed to me as the must-watch of the year (save for baggy jeans, because I’ve been wearing those for years). That said, one style that didn’t land on said aforementioned list, but is clearly due for big, big things this year, is flare jeans. With a growing list of celebrity fans that includes Meghan Markle, Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Cindy Crawford, Kendrick Lamar (you know that moment), and, of course, Amal Clooney, there’s no denying the retro denim style that was popular in the early aughts is back—and bigger than ever.

The fact that Clooney wore flared jeans is noteworthy in and of itself. The human rights lawyer is known for her refined dressing approach, regularly opting for billowy trousers, trendy boho blouses, and comfy sweater dresses—all staples that read elegant and timeless. So, when I spotted her earlier this year in the laid-back blues while out to dinner with hubby George Clooney, I knew I had to write about it. Of course, the fact that she wore flare jeans, the style countless celebs have worn the last few weeks, is noteworthy, too, as it further cements the style’s ‘It’ status for 2026. 

Pistola Kinsley Flare Jeans

Spanx SpanxSculpt ReDefine Flare Jeans

Clooney opted for a pair of medium-wash jeans with subtle fading (another Y2K reference, IMO). Her blues had an ultra-high waist—so high, in fact, that they appeared to hit at the ribcage. It’s the complete opposite of the controversial low-rise denim, so it’s a possible sign that the high-high waist is coming back, too. Not to mention, Clooney’s jeans had a slightly oversized fit from the thighs to the ankles, but it’s that flared hem that has all my attention; it’s taking me back to my middle school days when I’d wear my True Religion flares every single day. (No joke.)

Gap High-Rise ‘70s Flare Jeans

Trending 19 Photos of Jennifer Lopez with Her ‘Coconuts,’ Max and Emme, Through the Years

Mother The Weekender Jeans

It’s undeniable that Clooney’s jeans have that nostalgic flair (ahem, flare, wink, wink), but it’s also undeniable that celebs are clamoring to the style because it’s incredibly flattering. The blues basically act like an optical illusion, making legs look super long, especially when paired with a style that has an extra-long hemline and sky-high platforms á la Lopez; the singer is 5-feet-5-inches, but don’t you agree with me that she looks way taller in these jeans? Yeah, that’s thanks to the flares. The flare hem and longer inseams help create the look of legs for days, but add in a high-waisted cut, platform heels, and a crop top, and you’ll fool people into thinking you’re inches taller. 

Leg-elongating factor aside, there’s no denying that flares are fun and nostalgia-inducing—and that’s exactly what I need right now. So, shop some more fun, funky flares from Frame, NYDJ, and Mavi below.

NYDJ Barbara Jeans

Gap High Rise ‘70s Flare Jeans

Frame The Icon Raw Hem Flare Jeans