Nicole Kidman expressed her gratitude, stating, “it is a privilege to make films,” upon receiving the esteemed American Film Institute Life Achievement Award.
At 56, Kidman becomes the first Australian actor to be bestowed with this prestigious honor. The event took place in Hollywood, where the iconic actress was presented with the award by fellow acclaimed performer Meryl Streep.
Among the notable guests were Kidman’s husband, singer Keith Urban, and her co-star from “Big Little Lies,” Reese Witherspoon.
Accepting the award in a floor-length shimmering gold Balenciaga gown, Kidman thanked all the directors she has worked with.
“It is a privilege to make films. And glorious to have made films and television with these storytellers who allowed me to run wild and be free and play all of these unconventional women,” she said.
“Thank you for making me better at my craft and giving me a place, however temporary, in this world.”
During the ceremony, emotions ran high as Kidman teared up while her husband shared heartfelt words, expressing how she demonstrated “what love in action really looks like” during his struggles with substance abuse, which surfaced shortly after their marriage in 2006.
“Four months into our marriage, I’m in rehab for three months,” Urban said addressing Kidman and their two teenage daughters, who joined her on the red carpet for the first time.
“Nic pushed through every negative voice, I’m sure even some of her own, and she chose love. And here we are 18 years later.”
Australian actors Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, and Cate Blanchett contributed video tributes to honor Kidman as the first actor from their country to receive the award.
Past recipients of the award, regarded by the AFI as the “highest honor in American cinema,” include luminaries such as Streep, Julie Andrews, Denzel Washington, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg.
Kidman’s Hollywood journey began alongside Tom Cruise in the 1990 film “Days Of Thunder,” a year that also marked their marriage.
Despite their divorce in 2001, her stardom continued to ascend. She earned her first Oscar nomination for “Moulin Rouge” in 2001, followed by a win for Best Actress for her role in “The Hours” in 2003.
