Jennifer Lopez Fights Back Tears at "Kiss of the Spider Woman" Sundance Premiere

At the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, on January 26, Jennifer Lopez delivered an emotional speech. She expressed her deep feelings about starring in her first movie musical, "Kiss of the Spider Woman." During a Q&A session, she was visibly moved, even tearing up as she spoke to her fans.

Lopez, 55, participated in the promotion of the film, adapted from Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel and award-winning Broadway musical. The story focuses on two Argentinian cellmates: a political prisoner and a queer window dresser, who connect over their shared admiration for the musical theater star, Ingrid Luna (Lopez). As her performance received a standing ovation, Lopez shared her lifelong dream of participating in a full-fledged musical film. She reminisced about her childhood, recounting how she watched "West Side Story" every year with her mother. "I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life," she said to Variety. She pointed out that director Bill Condon helped make her dream a reality.

For the premiere, Lopez honored the film’s spidery theme with a striking bodycon webbed dress and a coordinating necklace. Her look was completed with high heels and a black clutch. Fans filled the venue, enthusiastically shouting, "I love you, J.Lo!" and she returned the affection with a heartfelt, "I love you too!"

Condon also shared the personal significance of "Kiss of the Spider Woman." He referred to it as "a movie I’ve wanted to make my entire life" and discussed its importance within the queer and trans communities, especially in light of the original novel's long history. "There’s a sense in this movie that the only way through is love and kindness," he emphasized. He noted how trans people have often been targeted amidst broader social issues, asserting that the film aims to prompt understanding among individuals.

Tonatiuh, who stars alongside Lopez, spoke about his own journey as a queer person from a Latin background. "Growing up as a fem, queer Latin kid in a culture that doesn’t love these things was tough," he admitted. He expressed his belief that societal acceptance often limited career opportunities for individuals like him, yet he fiercely advocated for self-love amidst challenges.

Earlier, SSP told why Ashley Tisdale's daughter mistook Zac Efron for her dad.