Ben Affleck’s reputation – and, effectively, his career – took a serious nosedive during the period of time that he dated Jennifer Lopez. Their joint cinematic effort, Gigli, was a laughing stock and their frequent appearances in the tabloid press overshadowed both of their careers.

Now, 14 years since he was awarded an Oscar (Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen) along with Matt Damon for Good Will Hunting, it seems that Ben Affleck has finally put the shame of “Bennifer” behind him and has been accepted back into the upper echelons of Hollywood respectability. His latest movie, Argo, tells the real-life tale of the rescue of six American diplomats from Iran in 1980. There has been a muttering of Oscars-nomination possibilities surrounding Argo since it debuted. Now, with the movie having landed five Golden Globe nominations and a Screen Actors Guild nomination for its ensemble cast, those mutters are rapidly turning into firm declarations.

His former screenwriting comrade Matt Damon told Reuters that he’s glad Affleck is finally getting the recognition he deserves, once more. “It was tough to watch him get kicked in the teeth for all those years because the perception of him was so not who he actually was,” said Damon. “It was upsetting for a lot of his friends because he's the smartest, funnest, nicest, kindest, incredibly talented guy.” Let’s see if next year’s Oscars ceremony proves to be a turning point, then, for Affleck’s beleaguered career. 

watch the trailer for Argo