Nicole Kidman & Her Powerhouse Performance Preparation
Written on the 15 October 2025 by Rachel Quilty, Personal Brand Strategist, Author and Speaker
Nicole Kidman & Her Powerhouse Performance Preparation
Acting and Storytelling: She has an "eternal love affair with storytelling" and a "passion for being alive" that extends to her work. She is drawn to complex, flawed characters and seeks out challenging roles that allow for emotional honesty and transformation. She believes film can "open up your imagination" and help people understand the human psyche. She also values being able to "disappear" into her characters
Supporting Women in Film: Through her production company, Blossom Films, she actively supports projects with strong female leads and aims to redefine the representation of women on screen. She has publicly pledged to work with a female director every 18 months and is a strong advocate for women in the industry, seeing female relationships as beneficial in life and work.
Nicole Kidman has won numerous prestigious awards throughout her career, solidifying her status as a highly acclaimed actress. Some of her most important wins include:
- Academy Award (Oscar):
- Best Actress for The Hours (2003)
- Golden Globe Awards: She has won six Golden Globes, including:
- Best Actress – Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for To Die For (1996)
- Best Actress – Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for Moulin Rouge! (2002)
- Best Actress – Motion Picture – Drama for The Hours (2003)
- Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film for Big Little Lies (2018)
- Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television for Big Little Lies (2018) (as a producer)
- Best Actress – Motion Picture – Drama for Being the Ricardos (2022)
- Primetime Emmy Awards: She has won two Primetime Emmy Awards:
- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for Big Little Lies (2017)
- Outstanding Limited Series for Big Little Lies (2017) (as a producer)
- BAFTA Awards (British Academy Film Awards):
- Best Actress in a Leading Role for The Hours (2003)
- Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards):
- Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie for Big Little Lies (2017)
- AFI Life Achievement Award:
- In 2024, she became the first Australian actor to receive the AFI Life Achievement Award.
These awards highlight her versatility and impact across both film and television.
Nicole Kidman has a deep and complex philosophy on acting, emphasizing commitment, transformation, and a profound connection to her characters. Here's a summary of her key insights:
- Total Immersion and Transformation: Kidman is known for her method acting approach, often physically, mentally, and emotionally transforming herself to embody a role. She has described wanting to "disappear" into her characters and "get under the skin" of them, to the point where it can sometimes affect her health. For -Nine Perfect Strangers-, she refused to answer to her own name during the five months of shooting, only responding to her character's name, Masha. She believes in changing and becoming the character, seeing it as a "transcendental" experience.
- Emotional Honesty and Vulnerability: She is highly attuned to emotions, both her own and those of her characters. Kidman has stated that her "emotionality is probably my most powerful axis" as an actor. She emphasizes the importance of going to vulnerable places, even if it's uncomfortable, and giving "very, very real" emotions. This commitment to emotional truth is a hallmark of her performances.
- The Power of Storytelling: Kidman has an "eternal love affair with storytelling." She believes in the power of film to "open up your imagination" and explore the complexities of the human psyche. She is drawn to "interesting, flawed people" and the exploration of how they navigate life.
- Preparation and Spontaneity: While she values deep preparation, including reading the entire script and noting her first responses (a trick she learned from Stanley Kubrick), she also embraces spontaneity. She likes to be "up for anything" and believes in "just doing the work" rather than overthinking or having a rigid plan. She often relies on her instincts in the moment.
- Collaboration and Trust: Kidman views acting as a collaborative process. She values trust with her directors and fellow actors, seeing the set as a "family." She has expressed that if directors and actors don't see "eye to eye," it can "hurt." She actively seeks to collaborate with and support female directors and new talent, believing in creating opportunities for others in the industry.
- Risks and Challenges: She is consistently praised for seeking out challenging, often eccentric or risky roles in diverse genres. She believes in "shaking things up" and "being brazen and taking risks." She's not afraid to play "a mess" or to explore uncomfortable places, stating, "I'm interested in philosophy and the human psyche. I'm interested in stoicism."
- Sacrifice and Boundaries: While deeply committed to her craft, Kidman has also learned to recognize her limits. She acknowledges that sometimes personal and family considerations dictate which roles she can take on, even if it means passing on award-winning projects. She aims to prioritize her family and not "jeopardize that family."
In essence, Nicole Kidman approaches acting with a blend of intense emotional commitment, meticulous preparation, and a willingness to take creative risks, all grounded in her belief in the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of genuine human connection within the artistic process.
Nicole Kidman is widely respected and admired by her peers, directors, and other public figures in Hollywood. Their comments often highlight her immense talent, dedication, bravery, and professionalism. Here's a compilation of what famous people have said about her:
Praise for Her Acting and Dedication:
- Tom Cruise (ex-husband): In a rare public comment, Cruise praised Kidman's acting abilities while discussing their work on -Eyes Wide Shut-, stating, "Because obviously she's a great actress."
- Stanley Kubrick (director): Though not a direct quote, it's widely known that Kubrick chose Kidman for -Eyes Wide Shut- due to her talent and spent over two years filming with her and Cruise, a testament to his trust in their abilities. Kidman herself has spoken of her profound connection with him, describing him as "the first person she ever loved and lost" when he passed away shortly after the film's completion.
- Harris Dickinson (co-star in -Babygirl-): "She's brave with what she does. She's just unafraid, and I think that shows in her work."
- Lee Daniels (director of -The Paperboy-): Has lauded her talent, often expressing immense respect for her willingness to delve into challenging roles.
- Reese Witherspoon (co-star and co-producer on -Big Little Lies- and -Big Little Lies-): Has consistently praised Kidman's talent, commitment, and their strong working relationship, often highlighting their shared goal of creating more opportunities for women in Hollywood.
- Meryl Streep (co-star in -Big Little Lies-): Attended Kidman's AFI Life Achievement Award gala, a clear sign of professional respect and admiration from one acting legend to another.
- Naomi Watts (long-time friend and colleague): A close friend, Watts has consistently supported Kidman and praised her talent and resilience throughout her career.
- Jameela Jamil (actress and activist): Praised Kidman for "actually put[ting] their money where their mouth is and step[ping] up and go[ing] beyond what they promise and support other women" by working with numerous female directors through her production company.
- Critics and fellow actors: Many have lauded her ability to "disappear into her characters," her "versatility," and her "commitment." For instance, after -Big Little Lies-, many noted her "Gary Oldman type range" and her ability to convey "so many different things with small facial gestures.
Download or read the full article: 21 Branding Lessons from Nicole Kidman
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More Nicole Kidman Personal Branding Resources
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Download or read the full article: 21 Branding Lessons from Nicole Kidman
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