Jennifer Lopez oozed A-list glamour at the Toronto Film Festival on Friday with the world premiere of her new film, the true-story-based sports drama “Unstoppable,” which drew thunderous applause from the audience.
The 55-year-old actress, singer and dancer made her first red carpet appearance since announcing her divorce from Ben Affleck. Affleck co-produced the film with his best friend Matt Damon but was not in attendance.
And she did not disappoint, she wore a skin-baring metallic silver gown with nothing but a huge black velvet bow, her hair long and open. Sky-high silver platform heels completed her look.
In “Unstoppable,” Lopez plays Judy, the mother of high school wrestler Anthony Robles, who, despite being born with one leg, was determined to fulfill his dream of becoming a U.S. varsity champion.
Oscar nominees Don Cheadle and Michael Pena play their demanding coaches, and Bobby Cannavale plays their abusive stepfather, who repeatedly throws the family into trouble.
“Unstoppable” depicts Robles’ inspirational story as well as the hardships of his family life and his close relationship with his mother.
Robles’ victory in the college championship for Arizona State University was marked by several rounds of applause in the film. Then, when the credits rolled, Robles himself received a standing ovation from the crowd in Roy Thomson Hall in the theater.
“When I read the script, I felt like a lot of women, including me, could relate to the struggles she had in her life,” Lopez said in a Q&A session following the screening.
“This story is a Latino story, and it’s so inspiring that it drew me in.”
Jerome said he trained for five months, including training with Robles on the wrestling mat.
“Portraying a real person is one of the hardest things to do as an actor,” he said.
“Unstoppable” was one of the headlining events on day two of the Toronto International Film Festival, North America’s largest festival, offering a mix of Oscar-worthy films, feel-good family entertainment and intriguing documentaries.
Last year, the event has returned to normalcy after a double strike by actors and writers left top talents unable to promote their work here.
Lopez is one of the major stars coming to Canada’s biggest city for the festival.
Ben Stiller, Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry appeared on the red carpet Thursday night. Angelina Jolie, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Salma Hayek, Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman are also expected to appear on the red carpet.
Earlier, Gia Coppola presented her latest effort behind the camera, “The Last Showgirl,” starring Pamela Anderson as veteran Vegas performer Shelly, who is disheartened when her show is abruptly canceled.
After 30 years of dancing topless in sequins and high heels at classic Sin City shows, Shelly must figure out what the future holds.
Coppola, the granddaughter of legendary director Francis Ford, looks beyond the bright lights of America’s favorite casino to show the harsh realities of the entertainment industry and what it does to those disadvantaged, especially women.
“I feel like I’ve been preparing for this role my whole life,” Anderson told the audience after the screening.
The ‘Baywatch’ actress joked that this was the first time she was offered a script that was ‘coherent’.
Jamie Lee Curtis broke down in tears while talking about the film. She plays Annette, a one-time dancer and Shelly’s best friend who works as a waitress to make ends meet and gambles away her hard-earned money.
“This movie is about dreams and going after your dreams,” the Oscar winner said, “only to find out later that they can never be fulfilled.”
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