The Australian actress has dominated the world of cinema with her performances for decades and will be present at the 81st Venice International Film Festival with «Babygirl», the erotic drama directed by Halina Reijn and starring alongside Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas, Sophie Wilde and Esther McGregor.
Nicole Kidman has never hesitated to explore the most diverse roles, building an incredibly prolific resume. Whether she’s playing an enigmatic singer in a Parisian nightclub or a free-spirited witch, Kidman immerses herself completely in the character, delivering magnetic and unparalleled performances. The Australian actress began her career in 1983 with the holiday film «Bush Christmas» and the adventure film «BMX Bandits». However, it was her starring role in the 1989 thriller «Dead Calm» that truly put her talent on the map and catapulted her into the spotlight. Kidman won her first Oscar in 2003 for her penetrating portrayal of author Virginia Woolf in «The Hours» , a role that showcased the English novelist’s emotional depth and tormented curiosity.Following this success, Kidman has continued to hone her craft, playing complex and unconventional women. She has received numerous accolades, including a BAFTA , two Primetime Emmy Awards , six Golden Globe Awards , and most recently, the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award . Whether she’s in a tense drama or a romantic comedy, Kidman infuses each story with a renewed intensity and humanity, making her performances irresistible. The actress continues to demonstrate her versatility, appearing at the 2024 Venice Film Festival in an erotic drama opposite Harris Dickinson and in Netflix’s thriller miniseries, “The Perfect Couple ,” out in September.
10. Boy Erased — Vite cancellate (2018)
In Joel Edgerton ‘s «Boy Erased , » Nicole Kidman plays Nancy Eamons , the mother of a young man who is sent to a conversion center to «cure» his homosexuality. Her performance is touching and nuanced, capturing the internal conflict of a loving mother who, despite being devoted to her faith, is forced to confront the devastating consequences of her choices. Kidman infuses the character with a deep humanity, revealing a woman who, faced with her son’s suffering, must question her beliefs and find the strength to rebel.
9. The Beguiled (2017)
Directed by Sofia Coppola , The Beguiled is a psychological thriller set during the American Civil War, in which Kidman plays the headmistress of an isolated girls’ boarding school. When a wounded soldier arrives at the school, sexual tensions and suspicions grow among the women, leading to dramatic consequences. Kidman’s performance is charged with authority and complexity, embodying a character who must balance morality, desire and control. The film is visually arresting, with an atmosphere that enhances the uneasiness and sensuality, and Kidman emerges as a magnetic and commanding presence.
8. Lion (2016)
In Lion , directed by Garth Davis, Kidman plays Sue Brierley, the adoptive mother of a lost Indian boy who, years later, embarks on a journey to find his biological family. Based on a true story, the film explores themes of identity, belonging and unconditional love. Kidman gives a sensitive and moving performance, embodying the strength and vulnerability of a mother who supports her son on his difficult journey. Her performance received widespread praise, culminating in an Oscar nomination, and helped make Lion a deeply emotional film.
7. Dogville (2003)
In Lars von Trier ‘s «Dogville,» Kidman plays Grace, a woman on the run who finds refuge in a small American community, only to discover that the kindness of its inhabitants comes at a terrible price. The film is a dark parable about human nature and cruelty. Kidman gives a courageous performance, exploring themes including vulnerability, exploitation and revenge. The film, known for its experimental style and provocative storytelling, has become one of the most controversial and discussed works in von Trier’s career.
6. The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
In «The Killing of a Sacred Deer» , Nicole Kidman gives a glacial and intense performance as Anna, a mother and wife who finds herself trapped in a surreal and disturbing situation. Yorgos Lanthimos’ film, a dark fable inspired by the Greek tragedy of Iphigenia, explores the ancient themes of guilt and revenge. Kidman manages to masterfully embody the underlying tension and growing desperation of her character, maintaining a perfect balance between emotional control and vulnerability, which is fascinating but at the same time disturbing.
5. Rabbit Hole (2010)
In John Cameron Mitchell’s «Rabbit Hole,» Nicole Kidman delivers one of her most moving performances as Becca, a mother struggling to cope with the death of her son. The film explores grief and the search for a new normal, eschewing melodrama for a more authentic and touching portrayal. Kidman beautifully conveys the sense of loss and internal struggle, delivering a performance that earned her an Oscar nomination .
4. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
In this enigmatic film by the great Stanley Kubrick , Nicole Kidman stars opposite Tom Cruise as Alice, a wife who confesses to her husband fantasies of infidelity. This revelation triggers a series of events that lead the protagonist to explore the boundaries of desire and morality. Kidman’s performance is subtle but powerful, managing to embody the complexity and ambiguities of the character. The film, known for its disturbing atmosphere and its reflections on marriage and sexuality, has become a controversial but iconic work in Kubrick’s career.
3. The Others (2001)
Directed by Alejandro Amenábar, «The Others» is a gothic thriller in which Kidman plays Grace, a strict mother who lives with her two children in an isolated house. Set in the post-war period, the film creates an atmosphere of growing tension, playing on doubt and fear of the unknown. Kidman gives a performance full of intensity, expressing vulnerability and strength as the mystery slowly unfolds. Her ability to convey terror and protection makes this film a classic of the psychological horror genre.
2. The Hours (2002)
In this drama directed by Stephen Daldry , Kidman plays the English writer Virginia Woolf during the writing of «Mrs. Dalloway». Her physical transformation with the use of a prosthetic nose and her flawless accent, made her unrecognizable. Nicole Kidman manages to capture the inner torment and the delicacy of Virginia Woolf, giving a performance that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress .
1. Moulin Rouge! (2001)
In Baz Luhrmann’s musical, Nicole Kidman shines as Satine, a courtesan and singer at the Moulin Rouge in Paris. The film combines a modern soundtrack with a tragic romantic plot, where Satine falls in love with the young poet Christian, played by Ewan McGregor . Kidman’s performance, both in acting and singing, is charged with emotion and sensuality, making this film a cult. Her performance was acclaimed and earned her an Academy Award nomination that year.