Nicole Kidman stands out as one of the most iconic and acclaimed actresses in contemporary cinema. Born in 1967 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and later raised in Australia, Kidman’s passion for acting ignited early on, prompting her to leave high school to dedicate herself fully to her craft. She garnered attention through various Australian television shows and films, but her breakthrough came with notable performances in films like Days of Thunder and Far and Away, solidifying her status as a household name by the mid-1990s.
Now widely regarded as one of the premier talents of the 21st century, Kidman has also ventured into production with her own company. As audiences await the release of her new thriller, Babygirl, on December 25, her star power continues to shine bright. Following its world premieres at the Venice International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, Babygirl has received substantial acclaim, boasting an impressive 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have especially praised Kidman’s latest performance, drawing comparisons to her previous Oscar-nominated roles.
5 Moulin Rouge! – Best Actress
Moulin Rouge! Marked Kidman’s First Oscar Nomination
In 2001, Nicole Kidman earned her inaugural Oscar nomination for her captivating role as Satine in Moulin Rouge! Portraying a courtesan opposite Ewan McGregor, Kidman’s performance beautifully navigated the tension between romance and her character’s deteriorating health, culminating in a poignant ending.
The film itself garnered two Academy Awards from eight nominations, securing wins for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design. Kidman’s nomination was well-deserved, although the Oscar ultimately went to Halle Berry for her work in Monster’s Ball. Kidman shared the spotlight with other distinguished nominees, including Judi Dench in Iris, Sissy Spacek in In the Bedroom, and Renée Zellweger in Bridget Jones’s Diary.
4 The Hours – Best Actress (Won)
The Hours Is Kidman’s Only Oscar Win
In 2003, Nicole Kidman brought home the Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Virginia Woolf in The Hours. The film intricately weaves together three narratives, with Kidman portraying Woolf as she writes her influential novel, Mrs. Dalloway, while Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore depict women from different times who are profoundly impacted by her work. The thematic exploration of women’s inner struggles across eras makes this film particularly resonant.
Competing against notable actresses such as Salma Hayek in Frida, Diane Lane in Unfaithful, Julianne Moore in Far From Heaven, and Renée Zellweger in Chicago, Kidman stood out as the sole winner for her remarkable performance. The Hours itself received multiple nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
3 Rabbit Hole – Best Actress
Kidman’s Portrayal of a Grieving Mother Earned Her a Nomination
In Rabbit Hole, Nicole Kidman compellingly portrays a mother grappling with the tragedy of losing her child in a car accident. The film captures her harrowing journey through grief alongside her husband and in solitude, crafting a strikingly emotional narrative that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
At the 83rd Academy Awards, her touching performance was nominated alongside Natalie Portman’s stunning work in Black Swan, Annette Bening in The Kids Are Alright, Jennifer Lawrence in Winter’s Bone, and Michelle Williams in Blue Valentine. While Portman took home the Oscar for her extraordinary work in Black Swan, each of the films showcased remarkable talent.
2 Lion – Best Supporting Actress
Lion Is Nicole Kidman’s Only Best Supporting Actress Nomination
In a departure from her primarily leading roles, Nicole Kidman was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Lion. She portrayed Sue Brierley, the adoptive mother of Saroo Brierley, played by Dev Patel. The narrative primarily follows Saroo’s emotional journey to reconnect with his birth family and the impact it has on his adoptive family, particularly his mother.
Despite both Kidman and Patel receiving nominations, neither won, as the Oscars were awarded to Mahershala Ali for Moonlight and Viola Davis for Fences, respectively. The competition also included notable performances by Naomie Harris, Octavia Spencer, and Michelle Williams.
1 Being The Ricardos – Best Actress
The 2021 Movie Is Kidman’s Most Recent Nomination
Nicole Kidman’s latest Oscar nomination came from her portrayal of legendary actress Lucille Ball in the 2021 film Being the Ricardos. Opposite co-star Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz, Kidman expertly navigated the complexities of their on-screen relationship while capturing the essence of their comedic brilliance in I Love Lucy.
The film garnered numerous accolades beyond the Oscars, including a Golden Globe Award for Kidman’s exceptional performance. While both Kidman and Bardem received nominations, the coveted Best Actress award ultimately went to Jessica Chastain for her role in The Eyes of Tammy Faye.
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