Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes have ‘Maid in Manhattan’ reunion

Marisa Ventura and Chris Marshall are together again in Palm Springs.

Jennifer Lopez reunited with her Maid in Manhattan costar Ralph Fiennes at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in California on Saturday, where the Conclave actor presented the Unstoppable actress with the Legend & Groundbreaker Award. 

In a sweet, moving speech, Fiennes likened Lopez to her character from director Wayne Wang’s 2002 romantic comedy. “This maid, in fact, possessed extraordinary wings that unfolded, and off she flew,” he said. “But in this life, in this story, I think she has already been flying with determination from an early age. Because I think she knows that she has something inside her which she must honor.”

Fiennes, who played a Republican politician who falls in love with Lopez’s character in the film, praised the actress for her talent and soulfulness. “As she flies high, she is honoring and fulfilling her extraordinary creative spirit and sharing it, shining a light on the lives of so many people, inspiring them and brightening their days,” he said. “She has amazing skills. She’s an amazing dancer and singer. She’s a beautiful actor.”

“In fact, she also has acquired some rather amazing pole-dancing skills for a certain movie,” he added, referring to 2019’s Hustlers.

The Grand Budapest Hotel star continued, “But of course, to be a legend and a groundbreaker, it’s a matter of spirit. If you have the skills, their currency is lessened unless there’s a strong spirit behind them. It’s the spirit which moves us and lifts us.”

Fiennes concluded, “You are incredible. You’ve blazed an amazing trail. You keep blazing it. I think you’re a kind of goddess. Getting it out there, your extraordinary talent, because it’s your truth.”

Want more movie news? Sign up for Entertainment Weekly’s free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.

The two actors embraced on stage, and Lopez thanked Fiennes for his kind words. “That was incredibly beautiful,” she said. “Ralph, it’s been so long. It’s so great to see you. Oh, God, thank you so much for doing this. You know how much I admire you and your work, and it was such a privilege to be able to work with you so many years ago. And it’s amazing to be here today. Thank you so much.”

When asked about a potential Maid in Manhattan sequel or revival on the event’s red carpet, Lopez responded, “I don’t know anything about a sequel. I know we’ve talked about producing a show, a series of Maid in Manhattan, but I don’t know that we’d be in it.” ABC announced that the movie would be adapted into a TV series in 2008, but it never materialized.

Released in 2002, Maid in Manhattan made $154 million at the global box office on a $55 million budget. Though it received mixed reviews at the time, the movie is now one of the most beloved projects in Lopez’s filmography.