Jennifer Lopez's Dazzling Performance Fuels Oscar Hopes in New Musical

Critics are falling under the spell of Kiss of the Spider Woman as it debuts with a strong Rotten Tomatoes score. Written and directed by Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Beauty and the Beast), based on the stage musical of the same name, the upcoming film follows two prisoners as one of them recounts the plot of a Hollywood musical featuring his favorite film star.

The cast includes Jennifer Lopez as Ingrid Luna, aka The Spider Woman, alongside two-time Emmy nominee Diego Luna (Andor) and Tonatiuh as the prisoners. Tony Dovolani, Josefina Scaglione, and Bruno Bichir also star. Kiss of the Spider Woman premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this past January and is set for a theatrical release on October 10.

Now, ahead of its theatrical release this Friday, Kiss of the Spider Woman has debuted with an 82% score from the critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie has 49 reviews at the time of writing, so its score could still fluctuate as more are published. Its audience score will start to take shape once it debuts in theaters.

With an 82% score, the movie is receiving mostly favorable reviews from critics. For instance, in ScreenRant's Kiss of the Spider Woman review, Mae Abdulbaki writes, "Jennifer Lopez wows as an alluring diva in this sensational yet flawed musical… Thrilling, sharp dance numbers, glitzy costumes, and campy dialogue all come together to create a dazzling musical that has a few flaws."

Overall, critics agree that it's a bold and dazzling spectacle anchored by a strong ensemble. Jennifer Lopez's turn as the glamorous Spider Woman is drawing particular praise for her commanding screen presence, old-Hollywood charisma, and dazzling musical numbers. Many note that Lopez looks like a true movie star again, with some even calling this her best performance in years.

While the newcomer Tonatiuh is also stealing many hearts, Lopez remains the movie's glittering centerpiece, igniting Oscar buzz for her show-stopping work. Even reviewers less enthused by the movie's pacing or tone concede that she delivers the glamour and emotional heft that the musical needs, ensuring that Lopez will once again be involved in the awards season conversation.

However, Lopez faces an uphill battle in winning and perhaps even being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress with so many other contenders in the race, such as Ariana Grande for Wicked: For Good, Emily Blunt for The Smashing Machine, and Regina Hall and Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another.

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.