Celebrating Jennifer Lopez

by Murtada Elfadl

Hustlers opens today, so let's celebrate Jennifer Lopez. She's getting the best reviews of her career - including a rave from Chris right here. There's Oscar buzz. The movie is poised to become a substantial hit this weekend.

Answer these 3 questions for fun:

What is the first thing you think of when you think of Jennifer Lopez?

Is it that green dress that has its own wikipedia page? That infamous interview from the late 90s? She's a big big star who's been involved in many memorable cultural moments. Tell us what comes to mind...

What's your favorite Jennifer Lopez performance?

Mine has always been Out of Sight (1998), and I think the Oscar buzz is 21 years too late but I'm happy it's finally here. I've been asking friends this question all week, and I got Selena (1997) as an answer as much as Out of Sight. Any others?

Who do you think matched Jennifer Lopez well on screen?

George Clooney, Jane Fonda? She has worked with many A-listers including Jack Nicholson, Viola Davis, Sean Penn, Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes and many others.

Whether or not the nomination happens, the months from now until nomiations are going to be fun if the press tour for Hustlers is any indication. We will leave you with Lopez's genuine reaction to her Oscar buzz:

Comments

[rick gould]

Personal life hype to promote career.
Lip synch.
Focus on looks constantly. Wish I had a dollar for every "JLo's ripped abs or flawless looks" headlines.
Talent overshadowed by above.
Weak legacy for somebody who's been in the biz nearly a quarter of a century.
That said, JLo's future gigs featuring her fab body, upcoming marriage and divorce headlines with ARod, and inevitable line of beauty products should carry her through until she turns 60.

[Michael R]

JLO's Oscar buzz is my favorite story coming out of Toronto. I think if she goes Supporting she has a chance to win.

[Jaragon]

She was very good in "The Cell" a movie that now looks more interesting than anything currently playing in the cinema

[Joan Castleman]

@Joan Castleman I'm the original Joan Castleman! You're taking my place! Use someone else. Use Patty Hewes.

[Paul]

I really hope Lopez wins supporting actress, to be honest. This is such a monolith movie star performance.

[Jane]

I found this movie to be really boring. Jennifer looks hard and it’s a very unsatisfying film.

[Topsy-Turvy]

"Hustlers" was fine. Scorsese-lite. This is Lopez's "Magic Mike." Oscars will snub her, maybe Globes will bite. Then the next time she plays a dead Hispanic star in a biopic, she'll win. It'd be a kick to see her win Best Actress. I'd have nodded her for "Selena."

[Suzanne]

Hustlers was great, and Lopez gave an old-school movie-star performance.

Some of the comments in this thread remind me of the comments I was reading a year ago about Lady Gaga and A Star Is Born. The differences? By all indications, Lopez will be competing in Supporting, not Lead; she's been acting for 25 years; she won't win a consolation Oscar in another category; and she produced her film, which shows she has a good eye for her talents and for material. She's a threat to win.

[Swifty]

Joaquin, Renée, Brad and Jennifer with Oscars feels very 90’s, no?

[Manuel]

Maybe the Academy will reward the movie stars:

Brad Pitt in supporting
Scarlett Johansson in lead
Jennifer Lopez in supporting

[Paul]

After pondering it, thinking about the film, discussing with friends both casual (including family) and other film buffs.... with my feelings walking out of the theater? It just FEELS like a performance that wins the supporting actress Oscar. And with the way the stars are lining as of now, it could very well be a bigger possibility than some think it is. Right now there's a slight bit of discomfort in getting on the buzz bandwagon, but outside the forum/blogosphere, the critics and industry folks on social media and everywhere are praising her to freaking smithereens.

If this were anyone but J. Lo, the performance would be the indisputable frontrunner right now. Well, I mean, it kinda is. But like, you get the point. lol

It was similar with Bullock in '09.

[Bhuray]

When I think of Jennifer Lopez my mind automatically goes to the Waiting for Tonight - Hex Hector Remix and how sick of a dance track it still is, today!

My fave performance of hers is OUT OF SIGHT, but I can't discount: U-TURN, AN UNFINISHED LIFE, ANGEL EYES, THE CELL, ENOUGH and SELENA.

George Clooney and Jane Fonda, for sure! MONSTER IN LAW is a guilty pleasure for me. It's so corny but I think it gets funnier each time I watch it.