Nicole Kidman is an award-winning actress with an impressive repertoire of films. She has been consistently recognized for her powerful portrayals of a range of characters, from a troubled wife in The Hours to a courageous cop in Destroyer. Over the years, Nicole Kidman has starred in dramas that were both lauded by critics and beloved by movie-goers. Here’s a look at some of her most riveting films and memorable performances.
The Hours
The Hours is a 2002 drama starring Kidman, Meryl Streep, and Julianne Moore. It’s based on the novel by Michael Cunningham and centers on three women in different eras and the struggles they face. Kidman plays the role of Virginia Woolf, a troubled writer in the 1920s who is dealing with depression and familial pressures. She earned her first Academy Award for her performance on this film, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Moulin Rouge
In 2001, Kidman starred in Baz Lurhmann’s musical drama Moulin Rouge! She plays the role of Satine, a high-class courtesan in fin-de-siècle Paris. Her chemistry with her onscreen love interest, played by Ewan McGregor, was praised. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including a Best Actress nod for Kidman. It was a massive box office success and has since become a classic.
The Others
The Others is a 2001 supernatural horror feature film directed by Alejandro Amenábar. In it, Kidman plays a mother of two children living in a haunted house on a mysterious remote island. She earned another Academy Award nomination and a slew of accolades for her performance.
Cold Mountain
In 2003, Kidman starred in Cold Mountain. This epic drama, directed by Anthony Minghella, follows a Confederate soldier, played by Jude Law, who embarks on a perilous odyssey to return to love of his life, played by Kidman. Her performance was hailed by critics, earning her a BAFTA Award, Golden Globe, and a third Academy Award nomination.
Destroyer
Destroyer is a modern neo-noir crime film released in 2018. It stars Kidman as detective Erin Bell, who goes deep undercover to take on a crime ring led by a ruthless actor (Toby Kebbel). Det. Bell’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, garnering her universal critical acclaim and a Best Actress win at the National Board of Review Awards.
The Paperboy
The Paperboy is a 2012 drama directed by Lee Daniels. The film follows a Miami journalist (Matthew McConaughey) who goes to investigate a death penalty case with his younger brother (Zac Efron). Kidman plays the role of Charlotte Bless, a wild and alluring femme fatale. Her performance earned her Best Actress wins at both the Cannes Film Festival and the Golden Globe Awards in the same year.
Rabbit Hole
Rabbit Hole is a 2010 drama written and directed by John Cameron Mitchell. It stars Kidman as Becca Corbett, a grieving mother struggling to cope with the loss of her only child. Kidman’s performance was delicate and nuanced, earning her a Best Actress BAFTA Award and a fourth Academy Award nomination.
The Golden Compass
In 2007, Nicole Kidman starred in the fantasy adventure film The Golden Compass. She plays the role of Marisa Coulter, a powerful explorer and the primary antagonist of the story. Her role was praised for its multi-dimensional nature and the actress earned a Saturn award nomination for her performance.
Throughout her career, Nicole Kidman has starred in some of the most acclaimed films, bravely taking on various roles that have pushed her to the limit. Her range and intensity are evidenced in her body of work, which showcases some of her best performances in riveting dramas and Oscar-worthy films.