Jennifer Lopez, the multi-talented singer and actress, is pondering her remarkable career and the challenges she encountered as a Latina in Hollywood. The 55-year-old actress spoke about her new film, Unstoppable, and the continuing battle for representation in an industry still dealing with diversity issues during a conversation on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast.

Breaking Barriers for Herself and Others

Lopez, who is known for her iconic performances in films like Selena and Hustlers, revealed that she has always strived to push boundaries, not only for herself but for those following her.

“When I started, there wasn’t a lot of roles,” Lopez recalled. “I was auditioning for parts with accents and stereotypes, and I thought, ‘I’m just a girl, too. I’m just a romantic girl, too. Why can’t I play the girl next door?’”

Her determination to be seen more than a caricature led her to break out of molds and become one of Hollywood’s most popular actresses for romantic comedies. In her early years, it was almost unheard of for a Latina actress to accomplish this feat.

On Representation and the Oscars

Lopez talked about the glaring absence of Latinas at the Oscars, noting that just two Latinas, Rita Moreno and Ariana DeBose, have ever been nominated for an Academy Award. When confronted with this disparity, Lopez reflected on the slow pace of improvement.

“I heard someone say, ‘Change is slow. Positive change is low,’” Lopez said. “Sometimes that can be frustrating. But as long as we’re moving forward, that’s a good thing. What’s scary is when we take steps back.”

A Call for Unity and Love Through Art

Lopez stressed the importance of remaining hopeful and utilizing her platform to inspire positive change, despite the challenges.

“It’s our responsibility to not be divisive or focus on the negative,” she said. “We have to use our voices and our art to put love out into the world, to be that vision for what we want our lives to be. Little by little, we make progress.”

Lopez’s commitment to change is evidenced by her ability to transcend stereotypes and become a Hollywood mainstay. Her belief is that her success is not only a personal victory, but also a step toward broader acceptance and opportunity for Latinas in Hollywood and beyond.

‘Unstoppable’ and a Legacy of Change

Lopez’s journey is a testimony to what can be accomplished through unwavering belief in yourself, as she prepares to release Unstoppable, a film celebrating resilience and determination. Lopez is still a powerful force for change in Hollywood, advocating for better representation and challenging stereotypes.

Her story is not only about breaking barriers, but also about establishing bridges—for herself, her community, and an industry that still has a lot to learn.