At the world première of her latest film, the true-story sports drama “Unstoppable,” Jennifer Lopez brought a touch of A-list glamour to the Toronto film festival on Friday. The film received a standing ovation.
The 55-year-old actress, singer, and dancer was making her first red carpet appearance since the announcement of her divorce from Ben Affleck. Affleck, who co-produced the film with his closest friend Matt Damon, was not in attendance.
Her hair was long and loose, and she wore a metallic silver gown that was skin-baring, with seemingly nothing but enormous black velvet bows holding it together. She did not disappoint. The ensemble was completed by silver platform heels that reached the sky.
In “Unstoppable,” Lopez portrays Judy, the mother of high school wrestler Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), who, despite being born with only one limb, steadfastly pursued and ultimately realized his aspiration to become a US university champion.
Bobby Cannavale portrays his abusive stepfather, who consistently places the family in peril, while Oscar nominee Don Cheadle and Michael Pena portray his demanding coaches.
While also exploring the challenges of his family life and illustrating his close relationship with his mother, “Unstoppable” recounts Robles’s inspiring story.
The film featured numerous applause moments in the lead-up to Robles’s successful pursuit of a collegiate championship for Arizona State University. Robles received a standing ovation from the audience at Roy Thomson Hall as the credits began to roll.
Lopez stated during a post-screening question-and-answer session, “I felt as though many women, including myself, could identify with the challenges she had encountered in her life.”
“This story being a Latino story, being so inspiring — it was just something that kind of grabbed me.”
Jerome claimed that he received training for five months, which included working with Robles on the wrestling mat.
“As an actor, it is one of the most daunting tasks to portray somebody that is real,” according to him.
Day two of the Toronto International Film Festival, the largest in North America, featured “Unstoppable” as one of the marquee events. The festival offers a diverse selection of documentaries, Oscar-bait films, and feel-good family films.
The event has returned to its usual routine this year, following the simultaneous strikes by actors and writers that prevented top talent from promoting their work here last year.
The festival is being held in the largest metropolis in Canada, and Lopez is among the notable celebrities who will be in attendance.
On Thursday evening, Orlando Bloom, Ben Stiller, and Katy Perry graced the red carpet. Additionally, Nicole Kidman, Bruce Springsteen, Salma Hayek, Cate Blanchett, and Elton John are anticipated.
