Ralph Fiennes Felt ‘Lost’ in Role Alongside Jennifer Lopez’s Character

Ralph Fiennes has had an extremely varied career throughout the years. He made his debut on television in 1991, playing the role of Michael in the TV series Prime Suspect. A year later, he also played the key role of Heathcliff in the 1992 adaptation of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. Since then, he has played in both dramatic and comedy roles, including parts in Schindler's List, Quiz Show, and the Wes Anderson movie The Grand Budapest Hotel. Fiennes has been nominated for two Oscars, the first for his supporting role in Schindler's List and the second for The English Patient.

This year, Fiennes seems likely to score an Oscar nomination again with his part in Conclave. Conclave is an Edward Berger-directed film about Cardinal Lawrence, who has to lead the Vatican's search for a new pope. The movie has been getting good reviews, and has spurred discussion of Fiennes getting an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Other actors such as Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Unknown and Colman Domingo in Sing Sing have also been in talks for nominations. Speaking about a very different movie, Fiennes discusses his role in a rom-com.

Fiennes Was Lost In Maid In Manhattan

Fiennes Played A Lead Role

Fiennes speaks about his role in Maid in Manhattan, which he reportedly felt lost playing. The 2002 romantic comedy saw a man running for senate falling in love with a hotel maid when he mistakes her for a socialite. The movie is directed by Wayne Wang and features a leading cast including Fiennes, Jennifer Lopez, Natasha Richardson, Stanley Tucci, Tyler Posey, and Frances Conroy. The film received negative reviews at the time, getting a 38% Tomatometer and a 44% Popcornmeter.

In an interview with People, Fiennes talks about his role in Maid in Manhattan. Fiennes admits that he felt "a little bit lost" on the set of Maid in Manhattan. He attributes part of this feeling to the fact that the rom-com was an American movie, a type of film that he has adjusted to over time. He also says he was "a little bit at sea sometimes" in describing how he felt on Maid in Manhattan. Check out the full quote from Fiennes below:

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It's a Cinderella story. It was rom-com writing, it was light. I think I felt a little bit at sea sometimes, now who is this Republican senator. My antennae for things American has got better since, but then I think I was kind of sometimes a little bit lost.

Our Take On Fiennes In Maid In Manhattan

Fiennes' Experience Mirrors His Character's

It's interesting to hear Fiennes talk about feeling cultural dissonance on the set, as that is partially what the movie itself is about. The supposed socialite Marisa Venture has to grapple with trying to fit into rich society and hide her identity as a maid, while Fiennes also has to come to terms with his love for her after discovering her identity. Over 20 years since the movie was released, Fiennes has clearly become more comfortable with American productions throughout his impressive career. While the characters struggled with cultural clashes, so too did Fiennes in Maid in Manhattan.

Source: People/YouTube

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. 

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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

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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.

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Gap High Rise ‘70s Flare Jeans

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