Jennifer Lopez continues to captivate audiences with her latest role in the inspirational sports drama "Unstoppable," which has garnered significant award buzz. As Lopez and Judy Robles promote the film, the attention on Robles is warranted, as she has received standing ovations during screenings. The story compellingly portrays her journey as a single mother who overcame financial struggles and an abusive relationship to raise her son, Anthony.

Lopez frequently encourages Robles to embrace her accomplishments. "You need to own who you are and what you’ve done," Lopez insists. "You’re inspiring every mother who has ever struggled. You really have triumphed. You’ve raised a son who has become a leader, and you deserve credit." It's a message of empowerment that resonates deeply, especially given Robles' remarkable journey.

Anthony, who was born with only one leg, achieved the unlikely feat of becoming a college wrestling champion. His accomplishments are a testament to perseverance, and Robles, as his fierce supporter, experienced firsthand the lesson of resilience. After witnessing Anthony's graduation, she returned to school herself, ultimately earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and now serving as an associate athletic director at Arizona State University.

Lopez connects profoundly with Robles, acknowledging their shared experiences as Latina women navigating challenges in their personal lives while striving for their children's success. "We were kindred spirits," she reflects. "We both grew up Latina in this country. We both had children and have hopes and dreams for them. We both had challenging relationships, which left us holding our families together."

The film has received some of the best reviews of Lopez's career, reinforcing her status as much more than just a pop sensation. Jharrel Jerome, who portrays Anthony, admits he was initially nervous to meet her due to her iconic status in his upbringing. However, he quickly discovered a supportive and dedicated scene partner, which highlights Lopez's commitment to her craft.

This success has not gone unnoticed, as Lopez is set to receive the prestigious Legend & Groundbreaker Award at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival. "I’m humbled; I’m blown away," she remarks, displaying her gratitude and ambition. "But I still have so much more to do. I feel like my best work is in front of me."

One of her future projects, "Kiss of the Spider Woman," an adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical, will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. In this film, Lopez plays Aurora, a captivating character born from the imagination of Luis Molina, a gay hairdresser imprisoned in Argentina. The narrative explores love's ability to transcend societal barriers—a theme that resonates with Lopez deeply.

"It's probably my favorite movie experience," Lopez shares. "It’s a film about how love transcends everything—the hardest circumstances, gender, social prejudices, everything."

Lopez's portrayal of empowered women spans her prolific career, from "Out of Sight" to "Selena" and "Hustlers." Her affinity for these strong female roles stems from a profound understanding of women's strength. "From the minute women are born, we’re always having to prove ourselves," she states. "That creates a type of strength, and then a lot of us give birth—there’s nothing that makes you stronger than doing that."

With her unwavering passion for celebrating empowered characters and real-life stories like those of Judy Robles, Jennifer Lopez continues to be a powerful force in Hollywood, inspiring women everywhere to embrace their strength and strive for their dreams.