Is this Jennifer Lopez's Oscar moment? How she reinvented herself after Ben Affleck divorce

Exactly a year has passed since Jennifer Lopez officially filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, and the multi-talented performer has spent every moment since embracing her independence and staying busy with a career resurgence.

The 56-year-old singer, actress, and producer wrapped up her 20-date 'Up All Night' tour on August 12, a major production that served not just as entertainment for fans, but as a source of personal rejuvenation. 

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A source close to Lopez shared with People, "She's been having the time of her life this summer. She loved connecting with fans all over the world. The tour was amazing. It's been a great focus for her. She's been doing what she really enjoys."

This isn’t just a return to form, it’s a reinvention. JLo has seamlessly transitioned from her tour to the upcoming release of 'Kiss of the Spider Woman,' a passion project she filmed in New York during a turbulent time in her personal life. 

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According to the same source, "This is the movie she filmed last year in New York when she and Ben were going through a difficult time. She’s come a long way since. She’s very happy and just grateful for her life."

Her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, 53, is actually one of the eight credited executive producers on the project, through his company Artists Equity. The musical film directed by Bill Condon and starring Lopez in three roles hits U.S. theaters on October 10, starring Diego Luna, Tonatiuh, Bruno Bichir, Josefina Scaglione, and Aline Mayagoitia.

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Earlier this year, she told Variety, "I was waiting my whole life to be able to do a real big MGM Hollywood musical, and I finally got to do it." Reflecting on her love for the genre, she added, "I got into movies because of West Side Story. I thought I was going to do Broadway. I wanted to do musicals. I love musicals. My kids love musicals. My mother did. It was a dream fulfilled in having done the movie."

While the film has yet to be released in theaters worldwide, the Oscar buzz has already started. Her performance in the 2025 Broadway musical adaptation, which premiered at Sundance, has many fans and critics pointing to it as her best chance for a nomination. 

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JLo filed for divorce from Ben Affleck on August 20, 2024, exactly two years after the pair’s Georgia wedding. While their relationship has long fascinated fans, from their original early-2000s romance to their rekindled love in 2021 and eventual second wedding, she has found success on her own. The divorce was finalized in January 2025.

That same month, she received the Legend and Groundbreakers Award at Variety’s Creative Impact Awards for her work on 'Unstoppable' and her career as a whole. 

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Alongside 'Kiss of the Spider Woman,' she’ll be seen later this year in 'Office Romance,' a Netflix rom-com starring Brett Goldstein and directed by Ol Parker. The ensemble cast includes Betty Gilpin, Tony Hale, Bradley Whitford, Amy Sedaris, and Jackie Sandler. 

She’s also set to star in 'The Last Mrs. Parrish,' an adaptation of Liv Constantine’s bestselling novel. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the thriller doesn’t yet have a release date, but she is also producing the film.

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Continuing her music career, she wrapped her 'Up All Night' tour in Europe, with shows in Spain, Italy, and beyond, closing it out with a heartfelt message. “This was the most beautiful, happy, and free summer…and my only wish is that you feel as joyful as you made me feel every night,” she wrote on Instagram.

She will bring 'Up All Night' to Las Vegas for a limited residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace from December 30 to January 3, with additional shows scheduled for March.