Ben Affleck has spoken about his professional admiration for Jennifer Lopez and his continued interest in working with Jennifer Garner. In an October 7 interview with *Variety*, the actor, director, and producer discussed Lopez’s performances in *Kiss of the Spider Woman* and *Hustlers*, including the awards recognition the interviewer believed she deserved. Affleck, whose company Artists Equity helped produce *Kiss of the Spider Woman*, expressed respect for her abilities while acknowledging that his assessment was personal. His comments presented a measured view of Hollywood recognition, emphasizing that awards reflect voters’ opinions rather than an absolute judgment of an artist’s work. The same conversation also addressed a proposed collaboration with Garner that changed when Affleck took on a leading role. [au.variety.com](https://au.variety.com/2026/film/features/ben-affleck-interview-animals-batman-movie-stars-damon-41076/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Asked why Lopez’s performances had been overlooked, Affleck explained that commercial results, individual taste, and awards outcomes do not always align. He described the entertainment industry as subjective and questioned the idea that winning a prize definitively establishes one performance as better than another. His response focused on his appreciation of Lopez’s work rather than speculation about their former marriage. The discussion revisited *Hustlers*, the 2019 film for which Lopez did not receive an Oscar nomination, alongside her later performance in *Kiss of the Spider Woman*. Although their personal relationship had ended, Affleck’s remarks showed that he continued to value her contributions as a performer and a professional collaborator. [au.variety.com](https://au.variety.com/2026/film/features/ben-affleck-interview-animals-batman-movie-stars-damon-41076/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Their collaboration on *Kiss of the Spider Woman* also continued into the film’s promotion. Lopez and Affleck attended its New York premiere together on October 6, 2025, following their divorce earlier that year. Lopez starred in the musical, while Affleck participated as an executive producer. The appearance brought renewed attention to their relationship, but it also reflected their shared involvement in bringing the production to audiences. In his 2025 *GQ* interview, Affleck had already expressed respect for Lopez after their separation. Taken together, those public comments and their work on the film provided a consistent picture of professional appreciation, without establishing anything further about their private relationship. [Good Morning America](https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/ben-affleck-jennifer-lopez-reunite-kiss-spider-woman-126286268?utm_source=chatgpt.com)