While Ben Affleck continues to be separated from Jennifer Garner, he had some very kind words for her at a public event Monday.

Affleck spoke at a Times Talk at the NYU Skirball Center for Performing Arts Monday night, while promoting his new film, Live by Night. The actor was asked about the defining moment in his life so far and while he has won two Oscars and helped lead movies to box office success, his answer was more personal.

"In my career or otherwise, it is the birth of my children," he said. "The entrance of my children into the world." He went on to say that Garner is the "world's greatest mom" and that "It's a joy to hang out with them. I think the meaning of life is to make good people."

Affleck also spoke on how his 4-year-old son, Samuel, encouraged him to play Batman in the DC Cinematic Universe.

"I was like, 'I don't know if I want to be Batman', and he was like, 'Dad, you have to be Batman.' He's right. If you can be Batman, you have to be Batman," Affleck said. "He still thinks I really am Batman. He thinks I'm in my Batcave right now. Eventually, he will understand, and it will be a steep therapist's bill, but I'll take it."

The actor also recalled the media hubbub over his notorious flop Gigli, in which he starred with then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez. He discussed how their relationship may have caused the bad quality of the movie to be more hyped up than it really deserved to be.

"There was a reporter doing stand-up in front of the theater that Friday morning, [saying] 'Here I am outside of 'Gigli', and as you can see, no one is here in line.' I was like, 'What is this, hurricane coverage?'" he quipped.

Meanwhile, Live by Night will be released in theaters on Christmas Day.