All About 'Kiss of the Spider Woman': The Movie That Could Give Jennifer Lopez Her Demi Moore Moment

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Although the 2025 Oscars haven't even started, the race for the 2026 awards is already heating up, and Jennifer Lopez has emerged as a strong contender. The "Diva of the Bronx" premiered her latest film, 'Kiss of the Spider Woman,' at the Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews.

This reception is renewing hopes for Lopez to have her own awards season moment similar to the success Demi Moore is enjoying after her Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination this year.

The Kiss of J. Lo

Both in front of and behind the camera, Jennifer Lopez has had an eventful start to 2025,. During Sundance, which wrapped on Sunday, January 26, she debuted her newest project as both executive producer, alongside ex-partner Ben Affleck, and lead actress.

"I was waiting my whole life to be able to do a real big MGM Hollywood musical, and I finally got to do it," Lopez shared in interviews. This production is particularly meaningful for her as it features a predominantly Latino cast and pays tribute to the legacy of Puerto Rican actor Raúl Juliá, a pioneer in the original film adaptation.

'Kiss of the Spider Woman' has a storied history. Originally a novel by Argentine writer Manuel Puig published in 1976, it was first adapted into a Madrid stage production by Puig himself.

Since then, it has become a cultural touchstone in Argentina, with various adaptations over the years. The first stage version debuted in 1983, followed by other notable productions, including a musical version in 1995.

The first film adaptation, set in Brazil instead of Argentina, directed by Héctor Babenco in 1985, starred Raúl Juliá and William Hurt. It earned critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for Best Picture in 1986.

This latest adaptation, brings the story back to Argentina. In it, Lopez portrays Ingrid Luna, a celebrated Latina artist, opposite Mexican actor Diego Luna, who plays Valentín.

The film delves into the lives of two prisoners in an Argentine jail during a real-life military dictatorship, offering an emotional and complex narrative that has already garnered positive reviews. For Lopez, this project represents a career milestone and a chance to achieve long-deserved recognition in the awards circuit.

Lopez's performance in 2019's 'Hustlers,' which broke box office records with a $33 million opening weekend, positioned her as a force in Hollywood. While Lopez earned a Golden Globe and Critics Choice nomination for her performance in the film, the Academy elected to ignore 'Hustlers' when it came to nominations.

In an interview with Variety, Lopez admitted she has waited her entire life for an opportunity like this and that the film gets awards recognition: "This is what I've been waiting for my whole life... Of course I would love [for the film] to the recognition that I believe it deserves."

However she also stated that she didn't "even want to begin the conversation" of Oscar buzz.

Lopez's journey parallels that of the American actress Demi Moore, who is currently enjoying her own career renaissance. Moore recently won her first Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical for 'The Substance,' directed by Coralie Fargeat. After 45 years in the industry, this recognition marks a long-overdue moment for Moore, who is now an Oscar nominee.

Drawing inspiration from Moore's resurgence, Lopez's collaboration with writer/director Bill Condon ('Mr. Holmes') could bring her some overdue accolades. With 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' already generating buzz, Lopez seems poised to dominate the awards season and solidify her place as a Hollywood icon.