It’s a Nicole renaissance.
Nicole Kidman, approaching 60, seems to be unstoppable, challenging the traditional norms of Hollywood’s old guard.
Since her surprising split from Keith Urban last year, she’s everywhere you look. She’s shining in the hit Paramount+ series “Lioness,” currently filming the thriller “Discretion,” and will be back in the HBO favorite “Nine Perfect Strangers.” Plus, she’s the face of Chanel, confidently strutting down runways.
But behind the glitz, there’s a struggle. A source revealed that Kidman is battling the industry over unfair critiques of her recent film, “Practical Magic 2,” alongside Sandra Bullock.
“All of the trade magazines slammed it for opening at $30 million,” the insider shared. “Yet, the very next week, Brad Pitt’s film, ‘Heart of the Beast,’ debuted with only $20 million and was celebrated. I mean, what other films have done better than ‘Practical Magic’ aside from blockbusters?”
(Interestingly, Kidman’s ex-husband Tom Cruise’s latest film, “Digger,” only managed to pull in $8 million on its opening weekend.)
Sure, “Heart of the Beast” has since outdone “Practical Magic 2” at the box office, boasting a global total of $156 million compared to $105 million. But the underlying issue remains: Hollywood still struggles to take projects led by women seriously.
This is something Kidman, who turns 60 next June, is deeply committed to changing. Back in 2017, she vowed at Cannes to collaborate with a female director every 18 months and has exceeded that by working with 19 female filmmakers in eight years.
According to insiders, she has teamed up with women directors 67 times across various formats as an actor, producer, and executive producer.
“As a woman in this industry, if you have even a little bit of power, and if you can greenlight a project or choose a director, pushing for a female perspective can make a difference,” Kidman emphasized at a Variety event in 2018.
Her frequent collaborator, director Susanne Bier, praised Kidman in British Vogue, saying, “She is the ultimate seducer— not in a sexual way, but in how she draws everyone into her enchanting sphere. It’s like she comes from another world.”
Kidman even inspired a recent hit song. “Nicole Kidman” by Adéla released in September became a viral sensation, hitting the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10 and topping US Spotify charts.
Ethan Alter, deputy editor of Gold Derby, commented, “Nicole understands that modern celebrity goes beyond merely being a movie star. She engages with television and navigates social media effectively, striking a balance between authentic self-awareness and what younger audiences find appealing in celebrities.”
Interestingly, her impact on the film industry might have surpassed many of her recent releases thanks to her role in an AMC advertisement that welcomed audiences back to theaters after the pandemic. Even if she wasn’t in a film, her face became a familiar sight at the multiplex.
Kidman doesn’t seem to slow down. After stunning at the Chanel show earlier this month, she quickly wrapped up the second season of Amazon Prime’s “Scarpetta,” and is set to return for a fourth season of “Lioness,” where she portrays Kaitlyn Meade, a senior CIA official overseeing a high-stakes team led by Zoe Saldaña’s character.
The Oscar-winning actress, who won Best Actress in 2003 for “The Hours,” has achieved all this despite her painful separation from Urban in 2025.
The split reportedly came as a shock and left her reeling.
Page Six mentioned that Urban had reservations about her bold 2024 film “Babygirl,” where she plays a CEO caught up with a younger colleague.
A source noted, “Nicole isn’t afraid to take risks—just look at her in ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ with Tom Cruise. That’s just her.”
She filed for divorce in September 2025 after 19 years of marriage, finalizing it in January. Now, she has sole custody of their daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret.
In a British Vogue interview, she expressed feeling lost post-divorce, pondering, “Where am I going? What’s next?”
She reflected on how life can throw unexpected changes, admitting that she had envisioned her life differently, yet she embraces her current reality, saying, “You just adapt.”
A Hollywood insider remarked on Kidman’s resilience. “Even after losing her mother, she pushed through to promote ‘Baby Girl,’ showing up to events when many thought she should take a break.”
Friends noted that she doesn’t wallow; she is proactive. After her split, she made a confident appearance at a Chanel show, looking fabulous in an oversized shirt and jeans while accompanied by her daughters.
When asked by British Vogue if she learned anything from her public divorce from Tom Cruise, who she shares adopted children with, she chuckled, “Every time it’s all new!”
Kidman surrounds herself with a supportive circle of friends, including Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern, but finds her happiest moments at home in her expansive Nashville mansion.
“Ultimately, her home is what matters most, and being a mom is her top priority,” a longtime friend shared.
Meanwhile, Sunday Rose is making strides in modeling, gracing the cover of German Vogue, acknowledging her privilege but expressing gratitude for the opportunities. She even has aspirations to direct in the future.
Faith Margaret has yet to embark on a professional journey but has been spotted with her mom on red carpets and fashion events, including Chanel.
With her established status in Hollywood, Kidman manages to navigate the industry while remaining true to herself. The way she manages her career, surprises audiences, and makes it all seem effortless reflects her unique magic in stardom.
Even after decades in the business, her humility shines through, with friends noting she’s touched by the support following her divorce, often questioning, “Why do they care about me?”
