Jennifer Lopez might finally get her long-overdue Oscar moment. After years of critical acclaim and a heartbreaking snub for Hustlers in 2019, JLo is back in the awards conversation with her powerful performance in Kiss of the Spider Woman. The internet is already rallying behind her, and honestly? It’s about time.
Jennifer Lopez Oscar Campaign Kicks Off
Lopez’s latest film dropped in theaters on October 10, 2025, and the awards buzz started almost immediately. Following critical praise at the Sundance Film Festival premiere, the actress launched her Oscar campaign by accepting the Virtuoso Award at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival. Her first award of the season comes November 1, 2025, and according to Gold Derby’s predictions from August 27, she’s sitting at No. 7 for Best Supporting Actress.
The campaign momentum isn’t accidental. Reports from September revealed that the film’s team is mounting a major awards push, with Lopez positioned as a serious contender in what’s shaping up to be a competitive race.
What Fans Are Saying
| Social Media Sentiment | Key Reactions |
|---|---|
| Excited & Supportive | “She deserves it for serving range” |
| Cautiously Optimistic | Remembering the Hustlers snub |
| Rallying Cry | “True definition of a comeback arc” |
| Recognition Focus | Performance was “incredible” |
Social media has exploded with support for Lopez’s potential nomination. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) are passionately advocating for recognition, with one user declaring it’s time she gets acknowledged for “serving range.” The enthusiasm is palpable—people aren’t just hoping for a nomination; they’re manifesting an actual win.
However, there’s an undercurrent of anxiety. Many fans remember how Lopez was shockingly snubbed at the 2020 Oscars despite her Golden Globe nomination and widespread critical acclaim for Hustlers. That disappointment fuels their determination to see her get proper recognition this time around.
Box Office Reality Check
While the awards chatter is heating up, the box office numbers tell a more complicated story. The independently financed $34 million musical debuted with just over $918,000 from 1,330 theaters—the widest new indie opening that weekend. By Sunday, October 12, it barely crossed $1 million, falling significantly short of its $1.5 to $3 million target.
These modest numbers don’t necessarily spell doom for Oscar chances—plenty of award winners have underperformed commercially. What matters more is critical reception, and Kiss of the Spider Woman is certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a 76% score from 96 reviews.
For those tracking box office performance trends, this demonstrates how awards-focused films prioritize critical acclaim over commercial success.
More Than Just JLo
Lopez isn’t the only cast member generating Oscar talk. Co-star Tonatiuh could make history as the sixth Latino actor to receive a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards. Diego Luna is also in contention for Best Supporting Actor. If these predictions materialize, Kiss of the Spider Woman could become a significant moment for Latino representation at the Oscars.
The nomination announcements are scheduled for January 2026, according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, giving the campaign several months to build momentum and secure voter support.
Why This Feels Like a Comeback
For fans, a potential Oscar win represents more than just an award—it’s validation of Lopez’s artistic evolution. She’s proven herself as a multi-hyphenate entertainer, but serious dramatic recognition has remained elusive. The Hustlers snub particularly stung because it felt like the Academy finally had a chance to acknowledge her talent, only to pass on it.
Now, with Kiss of the Spider Woman, Lopez has another shot. The performance showcases emotional depth and vulnerability that remind audiences why she’s remained relevant for decades. For those following awards season developments, this campaign feels different—more focused, more strategic, and backed by genuine critical appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will we know if Jennifer Lopez receives an Oscar nomination?
Oscar nominations for the 2026 ceremony will be announced in January 2026. Jennifer Lopez is currently campaigning for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Kiss of the Spider Woman. She’s ranked No. 7 in Gold Derby’s predictions and has already begun collecting precursor awards, starting with the Virtuoso Award at SCAD Savannah Film Festival on November 1, 2025.
Q: How is Kiss of the Spider Woman performing with critics despite modest box office numbers?
The film is performing well critically, holding a 76% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 96 reviews. While it underperformed at the box office with just over $1 million in its opening weekend (against a $1.5-3 million target), strong critical reception often matters more than commercial performance for Oscar consideration, especially in specialty categories like Best Supporting Actress.
