Jennifer Lopez, long one of Hollywood's most reliable red-carpet showstoppers, was once again absent from the Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026, for the 98th Academy Awards — marking her seventh consecutive year skipping the ceremony.

A-lister Jennifer Lopez brings her first film to Sundance, with 'Kiss of the Spider Woman'
AFP

The multi-hyphenate star — actress, singer, dancer and producer — has not attended the Oscars since the 2020 ceremony, shortly after the widely discussed snub of her critically acclaimed performance in the 2019 film "Hustlers." That absence has now stretched into a prolonged streak, with Lopez opting out even as awards season buzz swirled around her recent work in the 2025 release "Kiss of the Spider Woman."

Sources close to the situation and entertainment outlets like Harper's Bazaar confirmed Lopez did not appear on the red carpet or in the audience for the 2026 Oscars. The decision comes amid a busy schedule that includes her ongoing Las Vegas residency "Up All Night," which features showgirl-inspired performances and has kept her committed to live shows through late March.

Lopez's last Oscars appearance was in February 2020, where she turned heads in a sparkling silver gown by Tom Ford. That night, "Hustlers" — directed by Lorene Scafaria — earned praise for its box-office success (grossing $157 million worldwide on a $20 million budget) and Lopez's portrayal of veteran stripper Ramona Vega. She received Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress, along with widespread critical acclaim for delivering what many called the best performance of her acting career.

Despite the momentum, Lopez received no Oscar nomination when the Academy announced its shortlist in January 2020. Industry observers labeled it one of the biggest snubs of the season, with outlets like IndieWire noting the film's Gotham Awards recognition and multiple critics' group nods for Lopez. In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Lopez reflected on the disappointment, calling the omission "so obviously absent" from the conversation. She later told CBS Sunday Morning in 2025 that the experience taught her a lesson: "I don't need it... Not that I wouldn't love it," emphasizing she focuses on work that resonates with audiences rather than chasing awards validation.

The "Hustlers" oversight appears to have influenced her approach to subsequent awards seasons. After the 2020 Oscars, Lopez stepped away from the ceremony entirely. She has since prioritized other commitments, including music tours, film projects and family life.

In 2025, Lopez starred in the film adaptation of "Kiss of the Spider Woman," playing the multifaceted role of Ingrid Luna/Aurora/The Spider Woman. Early buzz positioned it as a potential awards contender, with some strategists placing her in the Best Supporting Actress category for the 2026 Oscars. Pre-season predictions from sites like Gold Derby and The Contending discussed her chances, drawing parallels to past wins like Jessica Lange's 1994 Best Actress Oscar for "Blue Sky" despite modest box-office performance.

However, "Kiss of the Spider Woman" faced challenges. It garnered limited nominations in precursor awards — just one non-acting nod at the Critics Choice Awards — and was shut out at the 2026 Golden Globes. Lopez attended the Golden Globes in January 2026, turning heads in a sheer vintage Jean-Louis Scherrer by Stephane Rolland gown that showcased her toned physique and signature glamour. But the lack of major recognition for the film, combined with her residency schedule, likely contributed to her Oscars absence.

Insiders note that Lopez has maintained a selective approach to awards events in recent years. She skipped the 2026 Grammys despite teasing attendance on social media, and passed on the Critics Choice Awards in January amid her Vegas shows. Her focus has shifted toward live performance and upcoming projects, including the rom-com "Office Romance."

Lopez's Oscars track record remains nomination-free despite decades in the industry. She earned early acclaim for "Selena" (1997), which brought a Golden Globe nod, and has since built a prolific resume across film, television and music. Yet the "Hustlers" moment stands out as a pivotal near-miss that highlighted biases in awards recognition for certain genres and performers.

Fans and commentators expressed disappointment online over her absence from the 2026 ceremony, with social media posts lamenting the missed opportunity for another iconic red-carpet moment. Lopez's fashion influence endures — from her Golden Globes look to past Oscars ensembles — even without her physical presence.

As the entertainment landscape evolves, Lopez continues thriving outside traditional awards circuits. Her Las Vegas residency draws sold-out crowds, and new film announcements keep her in demand. Whether the seven-year Oscars hiatus signals a permanent shift or a temporary pause remains unclear, but the "Hustlers" snub six years ago clearly left a lasting mark.

For now, the Academy Awards proceeded without one of its most magnetic personalities on the scene. Jennifer Lopez's star power shines elsewhere — on stage, on screen and in the cultural conversation — proving she doesn't need an Oscar invite to remain one of Hollywood's brightest lights.