Body language expert analyzes Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s warm smiles at red carpet reunion
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck left fans stunned on Monday night, October 6, as they reunited for the first time on the red carpet since finalizing their divorce.
Their friendly display, marked by smiles and close body language, stood in stark contrast to their tense appearances during their marriage and subsequent split.
But according to body language expert Judi James, the dynamics between the A-list pair seem to have “completely switched.”
Ben Affleck appears more animated as Jennifer Lopez stays composed
Speaking to the Daily Mail, James observed that Affleck appeared to take on Lopez’s former role as the more expressive partner on the red carpet.
“It used to be JLo putting in all the pose-producing effort on the red carpet when she was with Ben, while he tended to stand in several stages of reflective, distanced or just impatient-looking body language,” she explained.
However, at the 'Kiss Of The Spider Woman' premiere, Affleck was “putting in all the body language graft,” smiling widely and gesturing animatedly in what James described as a “classic bid to appear joyful to be standing alongside his ex.”
“His staccato, slightly jumpy movements and insistently animated behavior look off-brand for the man who is usually famous for looking dourer when there are press photographers around,” James added. “His teeth-baring smiles here suggest a huge amount of effort is involved to appear jolly.”
By contrast, Lopez’s demeanor appeared more restrained. “Her wide, teeth-baring smile shows little sign of actual joy,” James noted, adding that Lopez’s dramatic gown, with hoops framing either side of her face, may have served as both a fashion statement and a subtle “distancing move.”
Expert says Ben Affleck’s behavior hints at ‘inner tension’
James suggested that Affleck’s unusually high-energy behavior may reveal an “inner tension” beneath the cheerful exterior. She highlighted how he leaned in close to Lopez in an “ear-whispering” pose, a move often performed by celebrity couples to suggest intimacy.
“When the couple used to chat on the red carpet, there were often signs that suggested unhappy words were being exchanged as she would coax him to do more romantic poses,” James said. “But here it looks like it’s Ben who is all into pleasing the press.”
The expert concluded that while the pair were likely aiming to signal “ongoing friendship,” their rigid smiles and somewhat overperformed expressions hinted at lingering awkwardness.
Jennifer Lopez thanks Ben Affleck for helping bring film to life
During the event, Lopez publicly credited her ex-husband for his crucial role in producing the film. “Thank you, Ben. This movie wouldn’t have been made without Ben and without Artist Equity,” she said to the crowd.
Lopez stars as Aurora in the upcoming musical, an imaginary figure dreamed up by a jailed gay hairdresser, while Affleck’s company, Artists Equity, served as executive producer.
Their red carpet reunion came just months after Lopez described their divorce as “the best thing that ever happened” to her. Reflecting on the split, she told CBS, “It was a really tough time, but it helped me grow in a way I needed to grow.”
Despite the emotional past, both stars appeared relaxed and supportive on Monday night, a surprising yet seemingly mature chapter in their long, headline-making relationship.
