What Jennifer Lopez And Ben Affleck’s Smiles Really Mean

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck shocked fans after showing surprising warmth during their first red carpet reunion since finalizing their divorce earlier this year.

The exes were all smiles at the New York premiere of “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” the film Lopez stars in and Affleck produced.

Their affectionate display had fans and experts alike reading between the lines, especially after one body language expert revealed the deeper story behind those smiles and gestures.

Body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail that Lopez and Affleck’s appearance showed a complete change from how they used to act together.

In their earlier days together, the singer was always the one working the cameras, posing, smiling, and radiating affection, while Affleck often looked distant or uncomfortable.

“It used to be J.Lo putting in all the pose-producing effort on the red carpet,” James explained, noting that the actor once seemed to have an “aversion to being a Hollywood show-pony.”

However, this time, things were very different. “Suddenly, after two seismic relationship splits, it’s Ben putting in all the body language graft here,” she added.

According to James, Affleck’s newfound enthusiasm seemed intentional and was a calculated effort to appear joyful, calm, and connected to his ex-wife in front of flashing cameras.

James went on to describe Affleck’s behavior as unusually energetic, even forced.

Known for his serious and calm red-carpet persona, the Hollywood star was seen smiling widely and leaning in close to Lopez, flashing his teeth in what James called an “overkill expression.”

“His staccato, slightly jumpy movements and his insistently animated behavior look off-brand,” she explained, adding that his bright, toothy smile seemed “performed,” not natural. To her, Affleck’s exaggerated happiness pointed to “inner tension.”

James pointed out moments where the 53-year-old seemed to overact, where he leaned in to laugh with a guest, then turned to Lopez with what she called a “snarl smile,” a grin that looked more performed than genuine.

Her conclusion? Affleck was trying too hard. According to her, his body language showed a man eager to send the message that he and Lopez were perfectly fine.

While Affleck’s behavior drew most of the attention, Lopez’s demeanor told a different story.

According to James, the “Let’s Get Loud” hitmaker’s body language showed control and distance.

“Her wide, teeth-baring smile shows little sign of actual joy,” James said, noting that Lopez seemed more composed than emotional.

The expert also noticed a clear role reversal between the pair. She told the outlet, “When they were together, she would coax him into more romantic poses. Now, it looks like he’s the one trying to please the press.”

The difference in their behavior made the scene feel a little uneven, with Lopez looking quiet and self-assured, while Affleck looked restless and eager.

According to James, this mix of calm and overacting suggested that, even though the former lovebirds wanted to show they were friendly, there was still some discomfort underneath.

James didn’t stop at gestures; she also analyzed Lopez’s bold red-carpet look.

The actress wore a striking Harris Reed gown with metallic hoops that framed her face, and James believed the outfit appeared to say something beyond fashion.

“It looks telling how J.Lo seems to have worn a personal ‘ring of steel,’” she said, calling the design both a “fashion statement” and a “distancing move.”

The structured gown seemed to create a barrier, a way for the “Marry Me” actress to stay strong and private while sharing the spotlight with her ex-husband.

To James, Lopez’s outfit reflected her composure. It suggested strength, independence, and emotional self-protection.

Compared to Affleck’s overly cheerful energy, Lopez looked like a woman fully in control of herself and her space.

Ultimately, James said it seemed clear that Lopez and the filmmaker wanted to show that they’re still on good terms.

However, even though their smiles and poses were friendly, their body language hinted at a bit of awkwardness.

“It’s clear the couple want to signal an ongoing friendship,” she said, “but Ben’s rigid, overkill smiles and rather jerkily animated effort to look happy hint at some awkwardness and tension.”

According to her, the red carpet wasn’t about romance, but rather about showing unity and respect while maintaining professionalism.

Lopez came across as calm and steady, while Affleck looked eager to prove there were no hard feelings.