The 49th American Film Institution Life Achievement Award gala celebrated Nicole Kidman for her life’s work, which included establishing her acting career at 16 and appearing in over 80 films, enhancing an impressive legacy. The event’s premiere will be aired on June 17, 2024, at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on TNT and on June 27, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Turner Classic Movies (TCM).
Nicole Kidman Is Honored With The Life Time Achievement Award At The 49 AFI Gala
Legendary actress Nicole Kidman achieved a significant professional milestone. Honored at the esteemed 49th AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony, Kidman’s career trajectory started early, just at the age of 16, spanning more than eight decades. Nicole Kidman, who appeared in a long gold Balenciaga sequin dress, was accompanied by her husband, Keith Urban, and their teenage children, Sunday and Faith.
The 56-year-old “Bombshell” famed actress was welcomed on the stage with a shower of applause from her peers in the industry. She received heartfelt messages and support from her co-actors, such as Reese Witherspoon, Zoe Saldaña, Naomi Watts, Meryl Streep, and many others. Meryl Streep, the 32nd AFI Life Achievement Award recipient, presented the award to Kidman and praised her remarkable filmography.
“It is a privilege to make films. 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. Thank you for making me better at my craft and giving me a place, however temporary, in this world.”
In her speech, Nicole Kidman thanked her audience and expressed gratitude to the filmmakers and the industry for giving her opportunities and accepting her with open arms. She also thanked her family and expressed love for her daughters present at the event. During the ceremony, Kidman teared up as her husband said she showed him “what love in action looks like” when his substance abuse problems emerged soon after they married in 2006.
“Four months into our marriage, I’m in rehab for three months. 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.”
-Keith Urban
Australian actors Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, and Cate Blanchett also gave video tributes to Nicole Kidman, the first actor from their country to win the award. AFI awards are the highest honor an actor can receive in American cinema. The previous winners of the award include Meryl Streep, Julie Andrews, Denzel Washington, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg.
Kidman’s Hollywood career took off in 1990 when she appeared opposite Tom Cruise in “Days of Thunder,” a watershed moment that coincided with their marriage that year. Although the relationship ended in 2001, her skills continued to thrive. She received her first Academy Award nomination for her stunning performance in “Moulin Rouge!” The next year, followed by a well-deserved Best Actress Oscar for “The Hours” in 2003.
Source: BBC
