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Jennifer Lopez took to Instagram on Monday to reflect on her eventful year, sharing a video montage that celebrated her personal and professional achievements throughout 2024. However, the "Let's Get Loud" singer made headlines not for what was included in the video but for who was absent—her estranged husband, Ben Affleck.
The 55-year-old superstar captioned the post simply, "2024," pairing it with a cinematic orchestral version of her hit song "Waiting for Tonight" by composer Archer Marsh. The montage highlighted some of Lopez's most notable moments from the past year: glamorous photo shoots, show-stopping performances, the premiere of her sci-fi thriller "Atlas," clips from her documentary "This Is Me… Now: A Love Story," and her role as co-chair of the Met Gala.
© Presley AnnDespite the video's celebratory tone, it omitted any mention of Affleck, 52, whom Lopez filed to divorce in August after two years of marriage. This choice was particularly striking given that their rekindled romance had inspired her 2024 documentary.
Instead, the singer focused on her resilience through what she subtly acknowledged as a challenging year. "I am very proud of how I handle all the things. All the things," Lopez said in an interview snippet included in the montage. Another clip showed her sharing a candid moment: "In my low moments, I've learned to just feel the feelings and then let them go."
The video also showcased tender moments with her 16-year-old twins, Max and Emme, whom she shares with ex-husband Marc Anthony and glimpses of her lavish "Bridgerton"-themed birthday celebration in July.
"What a journey this has been. I honestly feel that the best is yet to come," Lopez reflected in the video. "I can sit here with my heart and soul intact and still feel really full of love." She added an optimistic note: "It's gonna get better, and it always does. It's a beautiful life in that way."
The video closed with a hopeful message to her fans: "See you in 2025!"
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupWhile Lopez's montage radiated positivity and forward-thinking, many speculated whether the exclusion marked a symbolic closing of that chapter as she looked ahead to a new year.
A gift from Ben Affleck amid divorce
It seems that Ben's gift wasn't enough to be featured on JLo's end-year video. Despite their ongoing divorce proceedings, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck reportedly exchanged thoughtful gifts. According to PageSix, Affleck went above and beyond in selecting a gift for JLo, purchasing "an autographed Marlon Brando book" from Mystery Pier Books in Los Angeles.
Per the publication, the store owner said Affleck bought several titles. It is believed that he arranged to give her the presents even though they spent the holiday apart. A source shared, "The gift was a nod to her Super Bowl bodysuit, which drew inspiration from Marlon Brando." Their gift exchange is part of their commitment to maintaining an amicable relationship. "It was nothing over the top, but more so a gesture to celebrate the holidays," the insider noted. This heartwarming news comes shortly after reports indicated that Jennifer Lopez and Affleck can't sever their ties completely.
© GC ImagesBen Affleck spent the holiday with ex-wife Jennifer Garner and their three children—Violet, 19; Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12. A source stated, "Jen truly just wants her kids to be happy. She will continue to make sure that they spend time together as a family and include Ben." Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez celebrated Christmas with her twins and her mother in Aspen, Colorado.
