Jennifer Lopez Calls Oscar-Winning “Nomadland” Her ‘Worst Type of Film’: ‘It’s a Slow-Moving Thing About Grief’

Jennifer Lopez has shared her thoughts on one of 2020’s most acclaimed films, Nomadland, during a recent appearance on the podcast *Films to Be Buried With*, hosted by Brett Goldstein. While Lopez acknowledged the film’s artistic merits, she did not hesitate to label it as her least favourite, revealing that it simply did not resonate with her personal tastes.

The Oscar-winning film, directed by Chloé Zhao, has been widely celebrated for its poignant exploration of grief and resilience among those affected by the economic downturn. Yet, when asked by Goldstein to identify the worst film she has ever seen, Lopez described Nomadland as a “beautiful film” that does not align with her preferences. “It’s just not for me,” she stated candidly.

Lopez elaborated on her thoughts with a hint of humour, explaining that she finds Nomadland’s slow-paced narrative, largely centred around themes of loss, to be at odds with what she seeks in cinema. “I like musicals. I like romantic comedies. I like thrillers,” she remarked. In her view, Nomadland felt like “a slow-moving thing about grief,” which is not the kind of escapism she desires when watching films.

Despite her criticism, Lopez expressed admiration for the film’s lead actress, Frances McDormand, calling her portrayal “amazing” and emphasising that it is no surprise she received multiple accolades for her performance. McDormand was awarded both Best Actress and part of the Best Picture win at the 2021 Academy Awards, underscoring the film’s significant impact within the industry. “She deserves all the Oscars,” Lopez noted, while reiterating that the film itself doesn’t appeal to her.

While discussing her film preferences, Lopez pointed out that she understands the importance of movies tackling heavy themes like grief. “It’s just a taste thing,” she said, emphasising that while she acknowledges the necessity of such narratives, she personally chooses not to engage with them. Goldstein humorously mentioned that it seems Lopez prefers to stay away from movies that delve into sorrowful experiences.

The actress confirmed this sentiment, stating that she similarly avoids horror films. However, she also offered a different perspective on the horror genre, noting that she would be open to participating in a project if it aligned with her evolving view of the category. Highlighting a specific notable exception, she mentioned her interest in Dave Franco and Alison Brie’s upcoming 2025 horror film, *Together*, reflecting a willingness to explore the genre under certain circumstances.

In their engaging discussion, Lopez and Goldstein, who co-star in the romantic comedy *Office Romance*, shared insights about their roles and the creative process behind the film. The project, directed by Ol Parker and co-written by Goldstein and Joe Kelly, was released on Netflix on 6 June and is expected to appeal to fans of the rom-com genre.

Lopez’s candid take on Nomadland adds to the ongoing dialogue about the diverse range of films that resonate with different audiences. As the cinematic landscape continues to evolve, her comments serve as a reminder that while some films achieve critical acclaim, personal tastes will always vary widely among viewers.

*Films to Be Buried With* airs weekly, inviting guest stars to reflect on the films that have shaped their lives. Lopez’s insights reveal that, despite her fame and success, she, too, navigates the complex landscape of film with personal preference guiding her choices as a viewer.