For Jennifer Lopez, every project is an opportunity to push boundaries — not just for herself, but for an industry still catching up to the realities of representation. Whether she’s playing a struggling single mother in the new film “Unstoppable” or diving into the multilayered 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 business.
In a candid interview on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, Lopez reflected on her decades-long career, the challenges of being a Latina actress in Hollywood, and her belief in the power of art to inspire and unite. Listen below!
“I heard someone say that positive change is slow — and it is — but as long as we’re moving in the right direction, that’s what matters,” Lopez says. “When I started, there weren’t a lot of roles for Latinas. I was auditioning for parts with accents and stereotypes. I kept thinking, ‘Why can’t I just play a romantic lead? Why can’t I be the girl next door?’ That belief—that conviction that I belonged — was what helped me break those molds.”
Lopez’s latest film, “Unstoppable,” tells the real-life story of Anthony Robles, a one-legged wrestler who defied the odds to become a 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 tells Variety. “I identified with her. I understood the upbringing they had, the struggles, the relationships, and the sacrifices Judy made for her son. She realized, early on, that if she didn’t accept her child, how would he ever accept himself? That moment of love and growth — it’s universal.”
Lopez’s admiration for Robles and his mother is evident as she describes meeting them 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’s faced. Being around him is a blessing. I hope the story resonates with people — not just as a Latino story, but as an American story of triumph and love.”
What sets “Unstoppable” apart, Lopez insists, is its universality. “This is an American story. It’s about family, resilience, and the idea that no matter what you’re up against, you can overcome it. Those are themes everyone can relate to.”
Lopez’s journey to becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces wasn’t without challenges. Growing up in the Bronx as the daughter of Puerto Rican parents, Lopez said she didn’t always feel like she belonged in the rooms she found herself in. “Imposter syndrome is real, especially when you come from neighborhoods like I did,” she admits. “But I’ve learned that it’s about what you tell yourself. You have to redirect that inner voice. Whenever the doubts creep in — ‘I don’t belong here, I’m not good enough’ — you need to replace them with, ‘No, I’ve worked hard. I do belong here.’ It’s a mindset that transforms everything.”
Lopez believes this mindset is critical in times of social and political turmoil. Speaking just weeks after contentious election results in the U.S., Lopez emphasized the role of artists in fostering unity. “It’s more important than ever that we put love, positivity, and unity out into the world,” she says passionately. “This is when the 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 — to tell stories that inspire and uplift. That’s what ‘Unstoppable’ is all 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, a glamorous actress; her role within the film — a haunting figure known as the Spider Woman; and the Spider Woman’s alter-ego.
“It’s probably the most challenging and rewarding role I’ve ever had,” Lopez teases. “It’s about love, acceptance, and finding beauty in the darkness. I think those themes are so relevant right now.”
Lopez also speaks about the thrill of collaborating with composer John Kander, who co-wrote the musical’s iconic score. “John Kander was in the studio with me when I recorded my songs,” she says, still visibly moved by the experience. “He’s 97 years old and still so 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 also one about love and survival — about helping each other through hard times,” she says. “I think that’s a 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 “Selena” in 1997 to her status as a romantic comedy icon and now as a producer and advocate for diversity, her career defies easy categorization. Yet for Lopez, the throughline is clear: storytelling.
“I do it for the love of the art,” she says. “It’s not about the awards or the accolades. It’s about telling stories that matter — stories that make people feel seen, stories that inspire. That’s what keeps me going.”
Also, on this episode, the Awards Circuit Roundtable shares their picks on what to watch this Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Below are this week’s Oscar predictions (in alphabetical order) in all 23 categories.
Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta, Jenelle Riley and Michael Schneider, who also produces, is your one-stop source for lively conversations about the best in film and television. Each episode, “Awards Circuit” features interviews with top film and TV talent and creatives, discussions and debates about awards races and industry headlines, and much more. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or anywhere you download podcasts
