Yahoo News Inside Nicole Kidman’s AFI Life Achievement Award Gala: The Gold Balenciaga Dress, Omega’s Bejeweled Milestone Gift and Star-studded Tributes
Nicole Kidman has won an Oscar, two Primetime Emmy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award and a BAFTA Award, but she’s not bragging.
“I’d think that I’m just getting started, but that’s not true, let’s just hope I’m in the middle. I’ve got my fingers crossed,” said Kidman when she accepted the 2024 AFI Life Achievement Award at a star-studded gala on Saturday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where she was honored for her impact on the film industry.
More from WWD
Julia Fox on Her Pop Star Era and Being the 'Patron Saint' of Indie Designers on 'OMG Fashun'
Cher Puts Sensual Spin on Suiting in Blazer and Lace Bodysuit on 'The Jennifer Hudson Show'
The Worst Dressed Stars in Met Gala History: Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry and More
Her first role was at 14 years old in the Australian film “Bush Christmas.”
Kidman described the profession of acting as a “nomad’s life” during her acceptance speech, highlighting how some of the transient relationships that come with the career can be enduring. “Some people whom you get to know become your friends, or they become allies or become your supporters or biggest champions,” she added in a room filled with colleagues, collaborators, partners and family.
Tributes throughout the night came from former co-stars Reese Witherspoon, Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Zoe Saldana and Mike Myers — who appeared in a mask and robe a la “Eyes Wide Shut.”
Kidman was showered with more praise from Naomi Watts, her longtime friend and fellow Aussie whom she recalled sharing cabs with on auditions; Morgan Freeman, who parodied Kidman’s viral AMC Theatres commercial onstage to an uproarious crowd; and her husband Keith Urban, who sat alongside their daughters Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret. Meryl Streep, whom Kidman called her “guiding light,” presented her with the award.
More than 40 years later, and an Academy Award along the way for “The Hours,” Kidman remains influential in the film industry and a muse to the fashion community.
For her milestone moment, the AFI honoree stepped onto the red carpet in Gianvito Rossi heels and chose Balenciaga for the ceremony’s look — a gold gown with a sparkling finish. Last year she was named as the brand’s newest ambassador.
Omega found a gilded companion for the dress — a custom 26 mm De Ville Mini Trésor watch in its proprietary Moonshine Gold. She’s been an ambassador for the watchmaker since 2005.
Speaking to WWD, Omega CEO and president Raynald Aeschlimann reflected on their longstanding relationship.
“As a brand like Omega, we’re so universal, you’re going to have a few people that are at this kind of extremely high level, an actress, winning all the awards, but at the same time, close to the heart of all people because of the values,” he said, adding that her performances in “Moulin Rouge” and “Big Little Lies” are among his favorites. “And that’s why it’s always incredible to think that this is an achievement, a lifetime achievement, that is something that not many get. And so that’s exactly the same reason she’s a very, very big inspiration for all of us.”
Kidman (and George Clooney) have carte blanche access to Omega’s archives, according to the brand. It’s a rare privilege for Omega’s lineup of icons across entertainment and sports.
“When we look for ambassadors, we look for people that are not just around one day, one year or two years — the biggest of the biggest people that have a lot of character, determination and devotion to their profession and bring a lot to us. Because of this continuity in our values, it’s quite rare to find people like her or like George Clooney, who have been so many years doing their job in an excellent way. And what we are doing tonight is celebrating the excellence of our job. And that’s why we like being connected to some people like that because they are our heroes.”
AFI Life Achievement Award Honors Nicole Kidman: Red Carpet Photos
Launch Gallery: AFI Awards Red Carpet 2024 Arrivals With Selena Gomez, Jennifer Aniston, Margot Robbie and More
Best of WWD
