Nicole Kidman Makes History as First Australian to Receive AFI Life Achievement Award

Nicole Kidman Reflects on Film Career as She Receives AFI Life Achievement Award

Renowned actress Nicole Kidman, aged 56, expressed her gratitude for the privilege of working in the film industry after being honored with the prestigious American Film Institute Life Achievement Award, becoming the first Australian actor to receive this esteemed recognition.

Meryl Streep had the honor of presenting Kidman with the award at a ceremony in Hollywood, attended by stars including Kidman’s husband, musician Keith Urban, and her Big Little Lies co-star Reese Witherspoon.

Draped in a stunning floor-length Balenciaga gown, Kidman accepted the award with heartfelt thanks to the directors she has collaborated with throughout her career. “It is a privilege to make films,” she remarked. “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.”

Expressing her appreciation for the impact of these collaborations on her craft, Kidman continued, “Thank you for making me better at my craft and giving me a place, however temporary, in this world.”

Emotional moments filled the ceremony as Kidman’s husband, Keith Urban, shared a touching tribute, acknowledging her unwavering support during his struggles with substance abuse early in their marriage. Reflecting on their journey together, Urban stated, “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,” as Kidman teared up alongside their two teenage daughters.

Fellow Australian actors Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, and Cate Blanchett paid tribute to Kidman in heartfelt video messages, celebrating her groundbreaking achievements as the first actor from their country to receive the AFI Life Achievement Award.

Kidman’s illustrious career began with her Hollywood debut alongside Tom Cruise in 1990’s Days Of Thunder, coinciding with their marriage that same year. Despite their subsequent divorce in 2001, Kidman’s stardom continued to rise, culminating in her first Oscar nomination for Moulin Rouge in 2001, followed by a Best Actress Oscar win for her role in The Hours in 2003.

Kidman joins an esteemed list of previous AFI Life Achievement Award recipients, including Streep, Julie Andrews, Denzel Washington, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg, cementing her legacy in American cinema.