The AFI Life Achievement Award was presented to Nicole Kidman at a ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The event was attended by many A-list celebrities who came to honor Kidman for her 40-year career in film, which has included roles in iconic movies such as “Moulin Rouge,” “Eyes Wide Shut,” and an Oscar-winning performance in “The Hours.” The evening opened with a video parody of Kidman’s AMC Theatres ad, with Morgan Freeman jokingly stating that Kidman makes movies better. Meryl Streep, who presented Kidman with the award, humorously described working with Kidman on the HBO series “Big Little Lies” and praised her for her dedication to her craft.
During the ceremony, touching moments occurred when Kidman’s husband, Keith Urban, spoke about her unwavering support during his struggles with substance abuse. Kidman, visibly moved, thanked her family for their love and support. It was a special occasion for Kidman as she allowed her teenage daughters to join her on the red carpet for the first time. She thanked all the directors she had worked with throughout her career, recognizing their role in shaping her as an actress. Kidman expressed gratitude for being able to portray unconventional women in film and television, acknowledging the privilege of being part of the industry.
The announcement of Kidman receiving the AFI Life Achievement Award was made in November 2022, with the ceremony initially scheduled for June 2023 but delayed due to Hollywood strikes. The event featured tributes from various celebrities such as Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Zoe Saldana, and Mike Myers, who paid homage to Kidman in unique ways. Kidman’s early career in Australia, as well as her Hollywood breakthrough alongside Tom Cruise, was highlighted during the ceremony. Despite her divorce from Cruise in 2001, Kidman’s career continued to flourish, leading to some of her most acclaimed performances and an Academy Award win.
One of Kidman’s most celebrated roles, her musical performance in Baz Luhrmann’s “Moulin Rouge,” was a favorite among the attendees of the awards show. Morgan Freeman, a previous honoree of the AFI Life Achievement Award, paid tribute to Kidman by serenading her with modified lyrics from the film. Throughout the event, Kidman was praised for her dedication, talent, and ability to bring depth to her characters. The evening was an emotional and heartfelt celebration of Kidman’s contributions to the film industry, with tributes from colleagues, friends, and family members underscoring her impact as an actress. The ceremony will be broadcast on TNT on June 17, allowing audiences to witness the well-deserved recognition of Nicole Kidman’s outstanding career.
