Jennifer Lopez reunites with Ralph Fiennes 22 years after ‘Maid in Manhattan’

Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes reunite at Palm Springs Film Festival, celebrating 22 years since their romcom.

Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes delighted fans with a heartwarming reunion at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, 22 years after starring together in the romantic comedy Maid in Manhattan. The 2002 film, in which Lopez played a hotel maid mistaken for a socialite by Fiennes’ character, a Republican Senate candidate, remains a fan favorite despite mixed critical reviews.

The reunion took place during Variety's 10 Directors to Watch and Creative Impact Awards at the Parker Palm Springs resort. Fiennes, 62, honored Lopez, 55, for her career achievements and her upcoming film Unstoppable, produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Referencing their iconic roles, Fiennes joked, “We really must stop meeting in hotels like this,” as he brought her on stage.

Fiennes praised Lopez’s determination and creative spirit, weaving the plot of Maid in Manhattan into a metaphor for her real-life journey. “Behind this maid’s mask was an unstoppable force,” he said, highlighting her talents as an actress, singer, and dancer. Lopez, visibly moved, shared the moment on Instagram, thanking Fiennes for his touching words and calling the reunion a career highlight. She even teased a potential sequel, writing, “Maid in Manhattan 2… you never know.”

Fans flooded social media with excitement, sharing nostalgic memories of the film and praising Lopez’s timeless appeal. The reunion also comes during a tumultuous personal year for Lopez, who recently divorced Affleck after two years of marriage. Despite personal challenges, the event reinforced Lopez’s enduring influence in Hollywood and the lasting impact of her most beloved roles.