Jennifer Lopez stepped out at a film festival in a bold, regal look, but netizens who saw the photos online thought the outfit was more suited for a spooky season.
Jennifer Lopez stole the spotlight at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, on January 26, dazzling in a black gown. While her daring look turned heads on the red carpet, it sparked mixed reactions from netizens online.
A netizen’s reaction to Jennifer Lopez’s spider web-themed ensemble at the Sundance Film Festival | Source: Instagram/people
Lopez’s Valdrin Sahiti gown featured an elaborate spiderweb design created with jewelry by Hassanzadeh, stretching from her neck down to her legs. To stay warm, she draped a white fur coat over the striking ensemble, completing the look with a black clutch, simple heels, and a chic updo.
A netizen’s remark on Jennifer Lopez’s ensemble at the Sundance Film Festival | Source: Facebook/peoplemag
While many admired the 55-year-old actress’s daring outfit, opinions online were divided. One critic compared the outfit to an accidental underwater adventure, “Looks like she was swimming in the ocean and got snared in a fish net.”
One commenter said, “J lo your [sic] stunning but honestly dress looks like a spiderweb.” Another user praised her timeless beauty, “Say what you want about Jennifer Lopez, but she always looks great!”
Jennifer Lopez attends the “Kiss of the Spider Woman” premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
A bold fan defended the unconventional design, “I actually feel the spider web looks awesome, it’s each to their own opinion.” Meanwhile, others pointed out, “Is it Halloween?” and another likened her glamorous ensemble to a Halloween outfit.
Someone else observed that while Lopez looked great overall, the dress itself was not a hit. Another remarked that it suited her better than the exaggerated expressions often seen on the red carpet.
A netizen’s comment on Jennifer Lopez’s spider web-themed dress, posted on January 26, 2025 | Source: Instagram/extratv
Even amid the divided opinions, admiration for Lopez shone through. One user remarked, “JLo always arouses envy, one is because she is beautiful inside and out, another is because who wouldn’t want to look that beautiful at 55 years old, then the envious make silly comments.”
Jennifer Lopez at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival | Source: Getty Images
The gown wasn’t just a fashion statement—it was a nod to Lopez’s upcoming film, “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” which premiered at the festival and was attended by her co-star Tonatiuh and director Bill Condon.
Diego Luna, another of Lopez’s co-stars, was expected to attend but could not make it reportedly due to a family emergency that kept him in Madrid, Spain.
Tonatiuh, Jennifer Lopez, and Bill Condon attend the “Kiss of the Spider Woman” premiere in Park City, Utah | Source: Getty Images
In the movie, Lopez takes on the role of Aurora/Ingrid Luna, originally made famous by Chita Rivera in the Tony Award-winning 1993 Broadway musical and by Sônia Braga in the Oscar-winning 1985 film adaptation. Both versions are based on Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life,” Lopez said, recalling how watching “West Side Story” as a child inspired her dream of starring in musicals. She shared that this movie finally gave her the opportunity to achieve that lifelong goal.
In the “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” Luna portrays Valentin Arregui, a revolutionary imprisoned alongside Molina, played by Tonatiuh. The narrative, blending reality and illusion, explores the unlikely friendship that develops between the two cellmates.
Condon, returning to Sundance after launching his career there in 1998, explained the deeper themes of the film. Condon presented the film to Sundance programmers after the election, highlighting its relevance to the current conservative climate and its impact on non-binary and LGBTQ+ communities.
“The promise of the movie is that somehow people can see each other as individuals,” he said. The independently financed musical takes a bold stand in today’s cultural climate, incorporating full dance numbers and long, uncut shots.
Bill Condon attends the 2025 Sundance Film Festival | Source: Getty Images
Lopez discussed the challenges of preparing for her demanding role, emphasizing the constraints of working on an independent film with a tight schedule.
While she relied on her background as a dancer to adapt to the rigorous demands of the musical, she acknowledged that the process was particularly tough for her co-stars. Despite the obstacles, the cast and crew worked together to deliver a successful performance.
Tonatiuh described Lopez as a “force of nature” on set, highlighting her professionalism and talent. He was so impressed by her dedication and ability to execute intricate dance numbers with precision that he often visited the set even when he wasn’t filming, simply to watch her perform.
Lopez highlighted the filmmaker’s dedication to creating a full-blooded MGM-style musical, complete with elaborate dance numbers captured in long, unbroken shots. Reflecting on the experience, Condon remarked, “I do love working with a diva.”
The anticipated film has yet to have a distributor or release date. It is produced by Lopez in collaboration with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon through their company, Artists Equity.