Jennifer Lopez recalls 'crying' during family movie night in rare reflection on Ben Affleck divorce
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actress Jennifer Lopez has opened up about a deeply emotional experience she had while watching the Oscar-winning Brazilian film 'I'm Still Here' with her family during the Christmas holidays.
Speaking on actor Brett Goldstein's 'Films to Be Buried With' podcast, she recalled how the movie left her in tears as she reflected on family, life, and personal experiences during a period of transition following her divorce from actor Ben Affleck.
Jennifer Lopez recalls crying while watching 'I'm Still Here' with her family
During the podcast appearance, Lopez explained that she watched 'I'm Still Here' while recovering from being sick over Christmas. The film's themes resonated strongly with her, prompting an emotional reaction she struggled to contain.
Lopez said, "I was sick over Christmas, and I was in bed, and I watched a lot of movies. One of them was I'm Still Here, and I watched it with my kids and my family." She recalled becoming overwhelmed by the story, particularly its focus on family relationships and resilience.
"I was crying quietly to myself, and my dad looked over at me and was like, 'Are you crying?' And I was like, 'No,'" she shared. The actress explained that the film sparked personal reflections about her own loved ones and experiences.
She added further, "It made me think about being a mom. It made me think about being a daughter. It made me think about my dad. It made me think about my relationships. It made me think about life." According to her, the movie's emotional depth stayed with her long after it ended, making it one of the most impactful films she had seen recently.
Jennifer Lopez shares how her father comforted her during the film
As the emotions continued to build, Lopez found comfort in a simple moment with her father, who noticed how affected she was by the film.
"My dad just put his hand on my leg, and I was like, 'Oh my God,'" she recalled.
The gesture became a meaningful part of the experience, especially as the movie encouraged her to reflect on family bonds and the people closest to her. She described the viewing experience as unexpectedly healing, explaining that it helped her process emotions she had been carrying.
"It was beautiful," she said of the film and added, "It was one of those movies that just stays with you."
The conversation came months after Lopez and Affleck finalized their divorce in January 2025. While discussing films with Goldstein, she also spoke about the impact movies can have on people emotionally and personally.
Looking back on the experience, Lopez credited 'I'm Still Here' with prompting an emotional release and offering a moment of reflection alongside her family. The combination of the film's story and her father's quiet support turned an ordinary movie night into a memorable and deeply personal experience.
"It's one of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen," Lopez said, adding, "I loved it."
