TIFF 2024: Jennifer Lopez hits the red carpet as she unveils ‘Unstoppable’

Jennifer Lopez attends the premiere of ‘Unstoppable’ at Roy Thomson Hall during the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, September 6, 2024, in Toronto. | Photo credit: AP

Jennifer Lopez impressed the Toronto Film Festival with a dose of A-list glamor at the world premiere of her new movie, the true-story sports drama, on Friday. irresistiblewhich earned a rousing acclaim.

The 55-year-old actress, singer and dancer was making her first red carpet appearance since announcing her divorce from Ben Affleck, who co-produced the film with best friend Matt Damon but was not in attendance.

And she didn’t disappoint, wearing a skin-baring metallic silver gown seemingly held together by a black velvet bow, her hair long and loose. Sky-high silver platform heels finished the look.

In irresistibleLopez stars as Judy, the mother of high school wrestler Anthony Robles (Jarrell Jerome) who, though born with only one leg, pursues — and achieves — his dream of becoming a US university champion.

Oscar nominees Don Cheadle and Michael Pena play her demanding coach, and Bobby Cannavale plays her abusive stepfather, who repeatedly puts the family in danger.

irresistible Robles’ inspiring story is told as the difficulties of his family life sink in, and shows his close relationship with his mother.

The film had several applause moments during Robles’ victory in a college championship for Arizona State University. Then, as the credits rolled, Robles himself, in the theater, earned a standing ovation from the Roy Thomson Hall crowd.

“When I read the script, I felt like a lot of women, including myself, could relate to the struggles she went through in her life,” Lopez said in a question-and-answer session after the screening.

“This story is a Latino story, so inspiring — it was something that grabbed me.”

Jerome said he spent five months training with Robles on the wrestling mat.

“As an actor, portraying someone real is one of the hardest things to do,” he said.

“Unstoppable” was one of the marquee events on the second day of the Toronto International Film Festival, North America’s largest, offering a mix of Oscar-bait movies, feel-good family fare and searing documentaries.

This year marks a return to normalcy for the event after a pair of strikes by actors and writers kept top talent from promoting their work here last year.

Lopez is one of the major stars visiting Canada’s biggest city for the festival.

Ben Stiller, Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry hit the red carpet Thursday night. Also expected are Angelina Jolie, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Salma Hayek, Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman.

The Last Showgirl

Earlier, Gia Coppola debuted her latest endeavor behind the camera, The Last ShowgirlPamela Anderson stars as Shelly, a veteran Vegas performer who becomes depressed when her show is suddenly cancelled.

After 30 years of dancing half-naked in sequins and high heels at a traditional Sin City show, Shelly must figure out what the future holds.

Coppola, the granddaughter of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola, goes beyond the bright lights of America’s favorite gambling den to show the harsh realities of the entertainment industry and what it excludes, especially women.

“I feel like I’ve been preparing my whole life for this role,” Anderson told the audience after the screening.

D Baywatch The actress quipped that this was the first time she was offered a script that was “coherent”.

Jamie Lee Curtis wept as she talked about the film. She plays Annette, a one-time dancer and Shelly’s best friend who ends up waitressing — and squandering her hard-earned money on bets.

“It’s a film about dreams and chasing your dreams,” said the Oscar winner, “only to discover that they will never come true.”