Los Angeles, California – On Saturday night at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, celebrities gathered to honor Nicole Kidman, a beloved Australian actress, as she received the prestigious AFI Life Achievement Award. The event was attended by a crowd of renowned actors and actresses paying tribute to Kidman’s remarkable 40-year career in the entertainment industry.
Morgan Freeman, a previous AFI honoree, praised Kidman in a video spoof of her AMC Theatres ad, humorously stating that she makes movies better. The audience, filled with multigenerational A-listers, erupted with laughter, setting the tone for the evening’s celebration of Kidman’s acclaimed performances in films like “Moulin Rouge,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” and her award-winning role in “The Hours.”
Meryl Streep, Kidman’s co-star in “The Hours,” presented the Life Achievement Award and entertained the crowd with spot-on Australian-accented impressions of Kidman. Streep’s heartfelt words highlighted Kidman’s dedication and love for her craft, emphasizing the emotional depth she brings to her portrayals of complex characters.
The evening took a poignant turn when Kidman’s husband, singer Keith Urban, reflected on her unwavering support during his struggles with substance abuse early in their marriage. Urban credited Kidman for choosing love in the face of adversity, leading to their enduring relationship over the past 18 years.
Kidman, visibly moved by the tributes, expressed gratitude to her directors, including notable names like Stanley Kubrick, Jane Campion, and Sofia Coppola. She reflected on the privilege of working with storytellers who allowed her creativity to flourish and thanked them for shaping her into a better artist.
The delayed ceremony, originally scheduled for June 2023 due to Hollywood’s strikes, will air on TNT on June 17. Kidman, known for her diverse filmography and multiple Academy Award nominations, received accolades from colleagues like Aaron Sorkin and fellow actors Zac Efron, Miles Teller, and Zoe Saldana during the ceremony.
As friends and collaborators praised Kidman’s talent and dedication, the evening also featured video tributes from Australian stars like Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, and Cate Blanchett, highlighting Kidman’s groundbreaking achievements as the first Australian to receive the AFI Life Achievement Award.
The event served as a reminder of Kidman’s iconic roles in films like “Moulin Rouge,” “The Hours,” and her collaborations with Tom Cruise, marking a journey from her early days in Australian cinema to Hollywood stardom. Ultimately, the evening celebrated Kidman’s contribution to the film industry and her enduring legacy as one of the most respected actresses of her generation.