Nicole Kidman was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award in a star-studded ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday night. The 56-year-old Australian actress was celebrated for her 40-year career in the film industry, with colleagues and friends praising her talent and dedication.
Meryl Streep, Kidman’s co-star in “The Hours,” presented her with the award and spoke about Kidman’s ability to dive deep into the darker parts of human nature with love and passion. Streep also shared a humorous anecdote about working with Kidman on the HBO series “Big Little Lies,” where they both did spot-on impressions of the Australian actress.
Kidman’s husband, Keith Urban, also took the stage to express his admiration for his wife’s unwavering support during his struggles with substance abuse. The couple, who have been married for 18 years, shared a touching moment as Urban praised Kidman for her love and strength.
The ceremony, originally scheduled for June 2023, was delayed due to Hollywood strikes but finally took place on Saturday night. Kidman, wearing a stunning gold gown, expressed her gratitude to the directors she has worked with and thanked them for allowing her to portray unconventional women on screen.
Fellow actors and friends, including Zac Efron, Miles Teller, and Zoe Saldana, paid tribute to Kidman in video messages, highlighting her impact on the industry. Kidman’s career milestones, including her Oscar-winning performance in “The Hours” and her musical role in “Moulin Rouge,” were celebrated throughout the evening.
The event concluded with Morgan Freeman serenading Kidman with a modified version of Elton John’s lyrics from “Moulin Rouge,” encapsulating the sentiment of the evening: “How wonderful life is, now you’re in the world.” The AFI Life Achievement Award will air on TNT on June 17, honoring Kidman’s remarkable contributions to the world of cinema.