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(NewsNation) — Jennifer Lopez is hoping to end her annus horribilis on a high note: with an Oscar. 

While the majority of her movies this year were panned or bombed (See: “Atlas” or “The Greatest Love Story Never Told”), her movie “Unstoppable” which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last week, is said to be actually… good.

And “Unstoppable” not only has great buzz — but Lopez is being lauded for her role as a hardworking mother to a one-legged high school wrestler looking for a scholarship.

The New York Post wrote: Jennifer Lopez stars in a fantastic, inspiring sports movie” and notes “Lopez (is) in one of her best performances in a minute. Her arc as a struggling mother of several kids is every bit as involving as Anthony’s and gets its proper due.”

The Guardian writes: “Impassioned performances help to buoy a fact-based wrestling drama”

Jennifer Lopez ‘really wants’ an Oscar, friend says

It would be her first Oscar nomination after she was given the cold shoulder in 2020 for her role in “Hustlers.” As the New York Times explained succinctly: “Lopez is seen as more of a celebrity than an actress… When so much of your public persona is about having it all, there isn’t much of an urge to give you something else. Academy voters like to feel like they’re a crucial part of a nominee’s journey, and with Lopez, they’ve never quite been there.”

Considering people in LA are already saying Lopez has turned into a Kardashian, it seems the Academy may still feel the same way. 

But as a Lopez friend tells me, “She really wants that Oscar — and to be taken seriously as an actress.”

Will Ben Affleck and J.Lo be reunited on the red carpet?

Ironically, if the film is nominated for an Oscar or Golden Globe, Lopez would be reunited with her now ex, Ben Affleck. 

Affleck and his bff Matt Damon produced the movie (Damon showed up to Toronto with Lopez to promote the film)… and if it makes it to the big shows(s) they could all be sat together at the same Golden Globes table and Oscar seating area.

“(Ben) doesn’t care,” a friend of his said. “He’s so happy to be free right now. She could wear all the revenge dresses in the world – hell, she could show up to the red carpet naked – and he would not blink twice.”

Jennifer Lopez’s very bad year

Here’s a look back at Jennifer Lopez’s horrid year

• February 16: “This is Me… Now” debuts alongside her accompanying documentary “The Greatest Love Story Never Told” (which follows her love story with Ben Affleck), and a “companion” musical film “This Is Me Now… A Love Story.” All of which flopped and the album is Lopez’s worst performing ever. 
• March 13: Seven cities were canceled from her “This Is Me…Now” tour due to poor sales.
• April 2: With lagging sales, Lopez’s tour is rebranded as “This Is Me… Live,” featuring her greatest hits instead of the treacly love songs from her latest album.
• April 11: Lopez goes back to work filming “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” while Affleck leaves for Los Angeles.
• May 6: Lopez co-chaired the annual Met Gala and showed up alone after Affleck refused to attend (Claiming he was filming in LA). On what was supposed to be a glorious homecoming for Lopez, she appeared gaunt and furious, snapping at reporters on the red carpet.
• May 12: Lopez spent Mother’s Day 5,643 miles away from Affleck in Paris with her daughter Emme while Affleck was hanging out with his children in L.A. next to his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner.
• May 15: Lopez spotted house hunting with her producer Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas despite Lopez and Affleck dropping $60 million in cash for a Beverly Hills mansion last June.
• May 24: Lopez’s Netflix movie “Atlas” premieres and is panned. 
• May 28: Affleck attends his daughter Violet’s graduation without Lopez.
• May 29: It’s reported her $90 million deal with MGM in Las Vegas is kaput.
• May 31: Live Nation announces tour cancellation.
• June 2024: Lopez and Affleck put their $60 million house on the market. He is reported to be staying in a rental, alone.
• July 24: Lopez celebrates her 55th birthday without Affleck. He is supposed to fly out and meet with her the week after — but stands her up.
• July 30: Affleck buys his own home for $20 million.
• August 20: Lopez files for divorce from Affleck on their second anniversary. He spends the day moving his daughter Violet to college at Yale with his ex, Jennifer Garner.
• August 22: Lopez prepares for JLo Beauty to be pulled from Sephora shelves by the end of the year