After a quiet year marked by personal upheaval, Nicole Kidman says 2026 will mark a powerful comeback — both professionally and personally — as she navigates life after her high-profile divorce from Keith Urban while returning to the spotlight with new film and television projects.
The 58-year-old Oscar winner described the past year as a period of reflection. “I was quiet. I had other things going on. I was in my shell,” Kidman said, adding that she now feels ready to move forward. “Now I’m in a place of saying, ‘2026. Here we go.’”
Despite the personal changes, Kidman emphasized stability for her family, saying she remains focused on her daughters and maintaining their sense of unity. “We are a family, and that’s what we’ll continue to be,” she said, declining to discuss details of the separation out of respect.
Oscar legacy still defining her career
Kidman’s name remains firmly tied to Academy Awards history, beginning with her first nomination for Moulin Rouge! and culminating in her Best Actress win for The Hours.
The victory came during a turbulent global moment shortly after the 2003 invasion of Iraq, when many questioned whether Hollywood should celebrate during wartime. Kidman said the ceremony still held deep meaning for artists across the industry.
“When you’ve worked in this industry so long, you want to honor the crews and artists behind the films,” she said, recalling the surreal moment when Denzel Washington announced her name as the winner.
The actress admitted the moment overwhelmed her. “Everything went dark for a minute,” she recalled, noting she still regrets forgetting to thank her father during the emotional speech.
A fashion moment that reshaped the Oscars
Kidman also reflected on one of the most iconic red carpet moments in Oscar history — her chartreuse couture dress at the 1997 ceremony designed by John Galliano.
The bold look helped usher European haute couture onto the Academy Awards red carpet, transforming the event into a global fashion stage.
“I was nervous about the color,” Kidman said, recalling that pop icon Madonna complimented the dress that night. She also joked about memorable encounters with celebrities including Rihanna at high-profile events.
New projects and possible Oscar buzz
Kidman’s packed 2026 slate includes the long-awaited sequel to Practical Magic, where she reunites with co-star Sandra Bullock nearly three decades after the original.
The film — which Kidman said will put her “in full witch mode” — could generate fresh awards buzz, especially as the veteran actress continues balancing big studio productions with independent films and television.
She also stars in the crime series Scarpetta alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, based on novels by Patricia Cornwell.
Life beyond Hollywood
Away from film sets, Kidman says she is prioritizing experiences she once postponed while building her career.
The actress recently traveled to Antarctica and plans future trips to the Galápagos Islands and Machu Picchu, describing the adventures as part of a broader life exploration.
“I’ve worked since I was 14,” she said. “Now I want to explore the world — the tastes, languages and cultures — with my children.”
For Kidman, the next phase of life is about balancing artistic ambition with personal fulfillment. “If the work goes away,” she said, “I’ll just go back to being a worker bee.”
