Nicole Kidman’s Best Roles

Nicole Kidman initially captivated global audiences in her home country Australia, later skyrocketing to Hollywood fame and earning a reputation as one of the most revered actresses of her time. Throughout her illustrious career, she has been admired for her exceptional versatility and daring choices in roles. Spanning various genres such as suspenseful thrillers, grand musicals, and introspective character dramas, Kidman’s performances have consistently showcased her remarkable talent with unparalleled skill. Her commitment to her work and transformative abilities for each role have garnered her countless awards, including an Academy Award.

Over the past few years, Kidman has significantly impacted the realm of prestigious television, both acting in and producing series that have ignited important cultural discussions. Her passion for tackling intricate and demanding roles, whether on film or TV screens, demonstrates that her artistic drive remains as potent as ever. This collection honors some of her most captivating performances, highlighting the versatility and lasting impact that have characterized her remarkable career trajectory.

‘Being the Ricardos’ (2021)

In this biographical drama, Nicole Kidman takes on the role of the iconic actress and comedian Lucille Ball. The movie zeroes in on a crucial week of production for the highly successful TV show ‘I Love Lucy’. During these tense days, Ball’s career and marriage to her co-star Desi Arnaz are put at risk due to a string of personal and professional crises. Among them are a damaging political scandal, a sensational tabloid drama, and the enormous stress of producing one of television’s most beloved shows.

Aaron Sorkin penned and helmed this film, providing a backstage glimpse into the intricate genius and tangled relationships of its well-known protagonists. To convincingly portray her character, Kidman delved deeply into Ball’s work to embody her unique vocal style, physical humor, and powerful on-screen presence, both on and off stage. This outstanding performance landed her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

‘Dead Calm’ (1989)

In simpler terms, Nicole Kidman portrays Rae Ingram, a woman recuperating emotionally after a devastating car accident that took her young son’s life. To aid her recovery, her husband John proposes a long sea voyage on their yacht across the Pacific. However, their tranquil expedition is disrupted when they stumble upon a sinking ship and rescue its sole survivor, an alluring yet troubled individual. The arrival of this man puts them in a harrowing and suffocating psychological survival contest.

This gripping Australian drama is adapted from Charles Williams’ 1963 novel, sharing the same title. The film became a significant milestone in Nicole Kidman’s career, introducing her to global viewers and highlighting her ability to portray both fragility and resilience. The movie stands out for its tense, eerie ambiance and for concentrating primarily on a minimal cast, with the narrative centered around merely three characters stranded at sea.

‘Rabbit Hole’ (2010)

In this emotionally charged drama, Nicole Kidman portrays Becca Corbett, a woman grappling with incomprehensible sorrow after the tragic accidental death of her young son. The movie delves into how Becca and her husband grapple differently with their loss, causing immense tension within their marriage. In an unusual attempt to heal, Becca seeks solace when she covertly meets with the teenager who was behind the wheel of the car that claimed her son’s life, hoping to find a path towards rebuilding her life.

The film is based on David Lindsay-Abaire’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name, which it adapts. Nicole Kidman not only starred in this movie but also took on a producer role, contributing to its production as an independent project. Her powerful and complex portrayal drew high praise from critics and earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.

‘The Northman’ (2022)

In this historical epic, Nicole Kidman plays Queen Gudrún, who is the mother of a young Viking prince named Amleth. After her husband, the king, is treacherously killed by his own brother, Amleth flees their kingdom with a vow to return one day and avenge his father, protect his mother, and eliminate the usurper. As years pass, Amleth has grown into a fierce warrior, embarking on his relentless quest for revenge. During this journey, he uncovers that the family history he had believed was significantly more complex than it initially appeared.

“Robert Eggers helmed this film, which draws on an old Scandinavian tale that greatly influenced Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet.’ Known for its breathtaking visuals and authentic portrayal of Viking culture, the movie features Nicole Kidman as a powerful and multi-layered queen. As the story unfolds, her true intentions are gradually revealed, making up the dark tapestry of this royal family.

‘Paddington’ (2014)

In this delightful family movie, Nicole Kidman portrays Millicent Clyde, a chilly and cunning taxidermist who works at a Natural History Museum. Upon hearing about the arrival in London of a unique talking bear from the depths of Peru, she develops an intense fascination with obtaining him. Her ambition is to acquire Paddington, the bear, for her collection of mounted creatures, thus completing a set that her adventurer father was unable to assemble during his expeditions.

1) The film is based on the cherished children’s books written by Michael Bond, and it brings them to life through real actors. Kidman portrays a comically wicked character, and she delivers the over-the-top villainy brilliantly. She poses a significant danger to the sweet and accident-prone bear as he searches for a new home with the Brown family. The movie was both a critical and financial triumph.

‘To Die For’ (1995)

In simpler terms, Nicole Kidman portrays Suzanne Stone, an incredibly driven woman with aspirations to become a globally recognized television news reporter. She currently works at a local cable station, but her ambition drives her to take drastic measures to climb the ladder. Believing her loving yet less intelligent husband may be hindering her progress, she subtly influences a group of naive high school students to facilitate his departure for her benefit. The narrative unfolds in a witty, mock-documentary format.

Under Gus Van Sant’s direction, this dark comedy garnered significant critical acclaim, with Kidman’s portrayal earning her a Golden Globe Award. Her role showcased her versatility as an actress, demonstrating her ability to convincingly carry a film with a complex and demanding lead character. The sharp-witted screenplay was penned by Buck Henry, inspired by Joyce Maynard’s novel of the same name.

‘Cold Mountain’ (2003)

In this expansive Civil War drama, Kidman portrays Ada Monroe – a sophisticated, urban lady relocating to a quaint, countryside village. She develops affection for the local man, Inman, but their relationship is abruptly ended when he’s compelled to join the war. Alone in managing her family’s farm, the sheltered Ada faces numerous challenges until she encounters Ruby Thewes, a resilient and versatile wanderer who educates her on practical skills.

The movie is adapted from the highly successful novel penned by Charles Frazier. It narrates two interwoven journeys: Ada’s growth towards self-reliance in her household, while Inman undertakes a risky journey to return to her. This critically acclaimed film was known for its stunning visuals and exceptional acting from its talented cast.

‘The Undoing’ (2020)

In this TV miniseries, Nicole Kidman portrays Grace Fraser, a thriving therapist residing in New York City with her family – her spouse and son – appearing to have a flawless existence. However, when a shocking violent death occurs among her high-society peers, and her husband mysteriously vanishes, Grace finds herself entangled in a harrowing series of disclosures about her husband’s past and her own life. As the central figure in a highly publicized and controversial murder investigation, she bravely confronts the unsettling truths that threaten to shatter her perfect facade.

I followed the gripping six-part psychological thriller that David E. Kelley crafted, drawing inspiration from Jean Hanff Korelitz’s 2014 novel ‘You Should Have Known’. Each week, this series kept me hooked with its intricate twists and turns, earning impressive ratings. My portrayal of a woman whose carefully constructed world crumbles was praised by critics for its depth and authenticity.

‘Eyes Wide Shut’ (1999)

In Stanley Kubrick’s last movie, Nicole Kidman portrays Alice Harford, a wife to a prominent New York City physician. The narrative commences when Alice reveals to her husband a past fantasy about another man, plunging him into a whirlpool of jealousy and insecurity. This revelation initiates an unusual, dreamlike odyssey for him through a dimly lit realm of hidden societies and peculiar encounters, while Alice remains at home.

The movie is inspired by Arthur Schnitzler’s 1926 novel “Dream Story,” although it departs somewhat from the original. It delves into themes of desire, loyalty, and the unexplored regions of the human mind. The making of this film was notoriously lengthy and private, with Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise collaborating extensively with the renowned director to translate his distinctive vision onto the big screen.

‘The Hours’ (2002)

Nicole Kidman offers a groundbreaking portrayal, earning an Academy Award for Best Actress, as the renowned author Virginia Woolf. The film weaves together narratives of three women from distinct eras, all connected through Woolf’s novel ‘Mrs Dalloway’. This movie explores Woolf in the 1920s while she pens the book, a troubled housewife from the 1950s engrossed in reading it, and a contemporary book editor living a life mirroring the novel.

In the movie, Nicole Kidman donned a prosthetic nose to resemble the renowned author convincingly, making her almost unrecognizable. Her acting aptly depicted the writer’s genius mind along with her battle against mental illness. The film boasts an outstanding cast and received acclaim for its intricate plot structure and in-depth examination of women’s inner lives.

‘The Others’ (2001)

In this atmospheric gothic horror movie, Nicole Kidman plays Grace Stewart, a deeply religious mother residing with her two sensitive-to-light children in a distant, misty mansion post-World War II. Due to their rare condition, the kids require nearly constant darkness for their wellbeing. The family’s tranquil yet unsettling life is disturbed by the arrival of three new staff members and a sequence of mysterious and progressively alarming supernatural occurrences.

The film earned both critical acclaim and box office success, appreciated for its vintage, atmospheric approach to suspense instead of relying heavily on visual effects. It’s notable for its sharp script and a stunning, unexpected twist that significantly alters the storyline’s direction. Nicole Kidman’s acting garnered praise as she skillfully portrayed her character’s mounting fear and desperation while trying to shield her children from an unidentified force.

‘Moulin Rouge!’ (2001)

In this captivating film musical, Nicole Kidman portrays Satine, a stunningly beautiful and gifted courtesan at the renowned Moulin Rouge nightclub in Paris. The plot unfolds around Satine’s tragic love affair with a penniless young writer named Christian, who moves to Paris to participate in the Bohemian uprising. Caught between her affection for Christian and her loyalty to a wealthy and overbearing Duke, who is bankrolling her next production and demands her allegiance in return, Satine faces a difficult choice.

Under Baz Luhrmann’s direction, this film is renowned for its vibrant visual aesthetic, fast-paced editing, and unconventional blend of contemporary pop tunes in portraying a 19th-century romance story. Nicole Kidman lent her own vocal talents to the role, and her captivating chemistry with co-star Ewan McGregor was one of the film’s standout features. The movie created a global sensation, significantly contributing to the resurgence of the musical genre on screen.

‘Lion’ (2016)

In this heartfelt true tale, Nicole Kidman portrays Sue Brierley, an Australian woman who welcomes a young boy named Saroo from an Indian orphanage into her family. The movie charts the extraordinary journey of Saroo, who was tragically separated from his biological family at the tender age of five and found himself miles away from home. Two and a half decades later, Saroo is tormented by memories of his past and embarks on a relentless quest to find his long-lost family, leveraging the groundbreaking technology of Google Earth for his search.

In a heartfelt and impactful manner, Nicole Kidman delivers a powerful supporting role as a nurturing and supportive mother. Guiding her on-screen son through the intricacies of his identity, she immersed herself in the character by meeting with the real-life Sue Brierley to prepare for the part. This captivating portrayal earned her nominations for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. The film, praised for its emotionally stirring narrative, was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

‘Dogville’ (2003)

In a simpler, more conversational style:

Meryl Streep plays Grace Mulligan, a mysterious woman seeking refuge from pursuing gangsters. She finds herself in the quiet, seemingly perfect town of Dogville. The townsfolk agree to shelter her, but in return, she must assist them with various tasks. At first, things seem fine, but as time passes, they start taking advantage of her goodness, trapping her and subjecting her to increasingly harsh treatment and abuse. This eventually leads to a startling, violent climax.

In this innovative film, Lars von Trier serves as the director, earning recognition for its strikingly minimalist set design. Rather than traditional sets, it was filmed in an empty soundstage with outlines of buildings sketched on the floor. This distinctive approach puts the limelight squarely on the actors’ performances and the intricate, dark moral tale that forms the storyline. The movie is a thought-provoking and thoughtful exploration of human nature.

‘Big Little Lies’ (2017–2025)

In this critically praised television show, Nicole Kidman portrays Celeste Wright, a woman who was once a lawyer and is now married to a wealthy and captivating man younger than herself. At first glance, their life seems flawless. However, within the confines of their home, Celeste endures a tumultuous and abusive relationship. The narrative unfolds as it reveals the lives of several privileged mothers residing in a picturesque coastal town, whose tranquility is shattered following a murder at a school charity event.

The TV show is adapted from Liane Moriarty’s popular book. Kidman received both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for her powerful performance as Celeste, and she also played a role behind the scenes by serving as one of the executive producers. Critics commended the series for its talented cast, captivating plot, and deep examination of complex topics.

2025-09-13 15:17