Nicole Kidman was honoured with the American Film Institute (AFI) Life Achievement Award, becoming the first Australian actor to receive this prestigious recognition, per bbc.com.
The award was presented to her by fellow actress Meryl Streep in a star-studded ceremony in Hollywood.
Clad in a stunning floor-length gold Balenciaga gown, Kidman, 56, expressed her gratitude to the directors she has collaborated with throughout her illustrious career. “It is a privilege to make films,” Kidman remarked, thanking the storytellers who allowed her to portray unconventional women on screen.
The emotional ceremony saw Kidman tearing up as her husband, singer Keith Urban, spoke about her unwavering support during his battle with substance abuse. “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,” Urban said, addressing Kidman and their two teenage daughters.
Streep with Kidman/Getty ImagesAmong the attendees were Kidman’s Big Little Lies co-star Reese Witherspoon and Australian actors Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Cate Blanchett, who paid tribute to Kidman through video messages.
Previous recipients of the AFI Life Achievement Award include industry legends such as Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington and Steven Spielberg. Kidman’s career has been marked by iconic performances, including her breakthrough role alongside Tom Cruise in 1990’s Days of Thunder, and her Oscar-winning performance in The Hours in 2003.
