Jennifer Lopez Reacted to the Glowing Reviews of Her 'Hustlers' Performance: "It Brings Tears to Your Eyes"
Critics think an Oscar could be heading J. Lo's way.


The reviews for Jennifer Lopez' latest movie Hustlers are in, and they're pretty universally glowing, with J. Lo's performance singled out for particular praise (just when I thought my feverish anticipation for this movie couldn't get any more intense.) Critics were particularly entranced by her entrance, a pole routine to Fiona Apple's "Criminal," which J. Lo underwent a grueling training routine to perfect. Waking up to all that praise was a little overwhelming for the actor/singer/dancer, who told the Los Angeles Times, "It brings tears to your eyes."
"To wake up to that today was like, 'OK!'" she told the newspaper Sunday. "Obviously, I’m flattered. You work so hard your whole career...I’ve done so many movies and I’ve done so many roles that I’ve learned to not do it for anything except because I love doing it."
J. Lo doesn't do it for the awards, she explained. "Every movie that I sign onto and every role that I choose to play is really about me exploring being an artist, being an actor, loving life, loving people, and doing that thing. Having the opportunity to do that with my life is such a pleasure for me."
Still, it's hard not to get excited about a rapturous critical reception, J. Lo said. "It brings tears to your eyes because you're like, 'Oh! Somebody liked what I did!' I love doing this and it doesn’t matter, but it does matter—it does make you feel like, 'Wow, all my hard work is being recognized, and that’s nice.'"
By the way, about that pole routine: There was no way J. Lo was going to let Twitter cast aspersions on her performance. "When I go upside down, make sure you see my face so they know it’s me! Because I don’t want them to say, 'That was a double!'" she said. Honestly, can we just bring her that Oscar now?
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
RELATED STORIES

Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
King Charles Meets a Small Fan Named Lilibet As He Issues Tongue-in-Cheek Health Update
The King attended the Royal Maundy service for the first time since his cancer diagnosis.
By Kristin Contino
-
Katie Holmes's New Spring Formula Only Takes 3 Pieces
Build it in an instant.
By Halie LeSavage
-
The 'Ransom Canyon' Showrunner Says Season 2 Is Already Being Written. Here's What We Know So Far
We're dying to see where the show's central will-they-won't-they goes next.
By Radhika Menon
-
Ben Affleck Gives an Update on His and Jennifer Lopez's Relationships with Each Others' Kids Post-Divorce
The exes finalized their divorce earlier this year.
By Lia Beck
-
Ben Affleck Opens Up About His Divorce From Jennifer Lopez for the First Time
He’ll tell you what WASN’T the reason for their split.
By Lia Beck
-
How Jennifer Lopez Reportedly Plans to "Exact the Ultimate Revenge" on Ex-Husband Ben Affleck
According to sources, J.Lo is "working...to create the perfect comeback."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Jennifer Lopez's "Fairy Tale" Romance With Ben Affleck "Turned Out to Be a Nightmare"
J.Lo is allegedly relieved her divorce has been finalized so she can "close the door on this crazy chapter."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Jennifer Lopez Shares the "Brutally Honest" Advice Her Kids Aren't Afraid to Give Her
"They always have an interesting perspective, because they're from a different generation."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Jennifer Lopez Touched On Experiencing "Challenging Relationships" Amid Her Divorce from Ben Affleck
Lopez hinted at struggles in her personal life (and the strength she's gained from those experiences) during an interview promoting her newest film, 'Unstoppable'.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
Jennifer Lopez Posts Ben Affleck-Free Recap Video of 2024, Declaring "The Best Is Yet To Come"
J.Lo is looking forward to 2025.
By Alicia Lutes
-
Jennifer Lopez Spends Christmas in Aspen with Her Kids Amid Ben Affleck Divorce
The Colorado cabin is a true winter wonderland.
By Meghan De Maria