The Kiss of the Spider Woman star joined Gwyneth Paltrow, Emily Blunt, Tessa Thompson, Elle Fanning, and Sydney Sweeney for the Los Angeles Times’ The Envelope 2025 Oscar Actresses Roundtable, published on Tuesday, December 16. During the discussion, the actresses were asked how they block out negativity about their personal lives and stay focused on their work.
Sydney Sweeney described criticism as “outside noise,” saying that once actors step onto a set, the rest of the world fades away. “Those are the moments and the relationships that matter,” she said, adding that opinions from strangers don’t define her.
Gwyneth Paltrow then turned the question to Lopez, asking how she has handled public scrutiny throughout her long career. Lopez admitted that she has often been a target for both praise and harsh criticism.
“From the very beginning, for whatever reason, I’ve been a lightning rod for nice things and a lot of negativity,” Lopez said. She explained that the constant shifts in public opinion can be confusing and emotionally difficult. “You say to yourself, ‘These people don’t get me. They don’t see me. They don’t understand me.’ Then all of a sudden they do. And then they don’t again.”
Lopez said she learned early on to stay grounded by reminding herself of who she truly is. “I know who I am. I’m a good person. I know what I’m doing,” she shared, adding that she has always believed that her success came from hard work and ability.
The singer and actress credited her parents for giving her a strong sense of self. She said blocking out negativity is essential for her peace of mind. “At the end of the day, I have to be able to put my head on the pillow and say, ‘I did good today. I was kind. I worked really hard. I’m a good mom,’” Lopez said, referring to her 17-year-old twins, Max and Emme.
Tessa Thompson also weighed in, saying that separating one’s real identity from their public image is healthy — though she admitted it’s something she is still learning to manage.
Lopez has spoken openly about the cost of fame before. During an appearance on The Howard Stern Show in October, she said that a high level of fame requires compromise. While she feels grateful for her career and her fans, she acknowledged that success comes with sacrifices.
“At the end of the day, there is a tradeoff,” Lopez said. She admitted that her personal life has suffered at times and that it took years for her to accept that change was necessary. “You have to change your behavior if you want to have a successful relationship,” she said.
Now, Lopez says she understands that protecting her personal life is just as important as her career — a lesson learned through years in the spotlight.
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