Another day, another win for Nietzsche’s theory of eternal return (something Ben Affleck definitely would corner you at a party to talk about). Jennifer Lopez and Affleck were reunited Monday night on the red carpet for her new film, Kiss of the Spider Woman, just nine months after their divorce was settled. If you’re going to run into an ex, doing it in a sheer Harris Reed gown at the premiere of your Oscar-buzzy new feature is a great way to do it. Readers, take note.
The pair looked like old pals (which, technically, they are) posing for photos with Ben’s hand around Jen’s waist and smiling at each other like only two people who were almost married, then married, then divorced ever could. They were chatting and smiling big enough that some have wondered if their rekindled romance could be rekindled once more. Siri, play “Don’t Go Back to His Ass” by Audrey Hobert.
Affleck is an executive producer on the film, which Lopez has been attached to since 2023, so his appearance wasn’t random. In April 2024, it was announced that Affleck and (the real love of his life) Matt Damon would join the project as executive producers via their production company Artists Equity. Four months later, Lopez would file for divorce. But the show must go on, and if Affleck’s effusive comments about his ex’s performance are to be believed, the show is pretty damn good.
“Jennifer, you’re incredible. Really, amazing job. You’re phenomenal. Welcome to lifelong stardom. Enjoy it. There’s ups and downs. But here you are,” he said ahead of the screening, echoing comments he made earlier that night about how this was the role Lopez was “born to play.” If that’s not the seeds of a “Hey, I’ve been thinking about you…” text in the making, I don’t know what is. Siri, turn up “Don’t Go Back to His Ass” by Audrey Hobert, please.
Kiss of the Spider Woman is an adaptation of a 1976 novel-turned-film-turned-broadway musical by the same name. Lopez plays Aurora, a fantasy woman existing in the mind of a gay Argentinian hairdresser imprisoned after being convicted of public indecency. Directed by Bill Condon, the film was received well at Sundance in January and has led to speculation that J.Lo may finally get that Oscar.
But if not, what better prize is there than getting your ex to show up to an event and tell multiple people with cameras how amazing you are? That’s a bigger reward than any trophy shelf could ever hold.
We finally got a pic of Taylor Swift at Selena Gomez’s wedding. Their friendship? Not ruined. [People]
Elvira is beefing with Ariana Grande–just in time for spooky season! [Buzzfeed]
Tom Cruise and Ana De Armas are reportedly considering getting married in space. [Radar]
Here’s a Gen Z proverb for you: Sabrina Carpenter and Joe Keery started following each other on Instagram after she “arrested” him during her set at ACL. [Decider]
But for the Millennials and Gen X’ers, here’s Sabrina performing “That Don’t Impress Me Much” with Shania Twain. [Pop Base]
Robin Williams‘ daughter, Zelda Williams, begs people to stop sending her AI videos of her dad. [The Guardian]
Nicole Kidman got breakup bangs. Good for her! [People]
