Ben Affleck has once again become an internet sensation, but not for his acting or directing prowess. At this weekend's Grammys, the Oscar-winning star was photographed looking utterly dejected, sparking a fresh wave of memes across social media.
Affleck, who is married to Jennifer Lopez and has enjoyed a career that includes playing Batman, appeared disconnected from the glamour surrounding him. In multiple images, he stares blankly into space, neither smiling nor engaging with the festivities, leading many to dub his expression a 'death mask of unadorned misery'.
This is not the first time Affleck has inadvertently become a meme. Previous viral moments include his glazed-over look at a Batman v Superman junket, a photo of him smoking with a dejected air, and a shot of him on a beach with a towel and a phoenix tattoo. Each has been widely shared and parodied.
Experts suggest the memes resonate because Affleck appears to have everything yet seems miserable, making him relatable to many. His exhausted and overwhelmed expression mirrors how many people feel in their own lives, providing a sense of shared experience.
The Grammys themselves are often criticised as tedious, and Affleck's reaction has been seen as a natural response to the event's pomp. While his film work remains acclaimed, it is his meme-worthy moments that have captured the public's imagination, offering a touch of humour and solidarity.
