Film & TV

Nicole Kidman’s 8 Most Iconic Roles

The Australia native has dominated the acting world for decades with her performances in films and television shows such as Dead Calm and Big Little Lies

Nicole Kidman wearing Balenciaga in 2007. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Nicole Kidman wearing Balenciaga in 2007. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Nicole Kidman has never shied away from exploring diverse roles and building a remarkably prolific resume. Whether she's portraying an enigmatic Parisian nightclub singer or a free-spirited witch, Kidman submits herself completely to the part and subsequently delivers unparalleled magnetic performances. 

While the Australian actress began her career in 1983 with the Christmas drama film Bush Christmas and the bank robbery adventure flick BMX Bandits, it was her lead role in the 1989 thriller Dead Calm that allowed her to flex her acting chops and launched her firmly into the spotlight. Kidman's piercing execution of the deeply curious and emotionally-plagued writer Virginia Woolf in The Hours earned her her first Academy Award in 2003.

Since then, Kidman has continued to hone her craft and play complex, unconventional women. She has received numerous accolades, including a BAFTA Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and, most recently, an American Film Institute Life Achievement Award. 

Kidman is particularly arresting due to her ability to create a rare shared space for intimacy, humor, and introspection. She is unparalleled in balancing unyielding conviction and deep emotion. Whether it is a high-stakes drama or a feel-good romantic comedy, Kidman imbues every story with roiling intensity and fresh humanity, making them all riveting. Now, the renowned actress is continuing to flex her gravitas and versatility by starring in the upcoming Netflix suspense miniseries The Perfect Couple, coming out in September. 

Below, explore Kidman’s most iconic roles throughout her eminent career.

'Dead Calm'

Nicole Kidman in 'Dead Calm.'
Nicole Kidman in 'Dead Calm.' Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Precocious ingenue Nicole Kidman captivated the world with her engrossing performance in this chilling thriller. 19-year-old Kidman plays a wife who takes a sailing vacation with her husband while grappling with the acute emotional fallout over losing their son. Their serene holiday unexpectedly takes a dangerous turn after they rescue a survivor on a sinking ship. Kidman proves she is the eye of the storm by organically building anxiety in the viewer while maintaining vulnerability.

'To Die For'

Nicole Kidman in 'To Die For.'
Nicole Kidman in 'To Die For.' Photo courtesy of IMDb.

Kidman cemented herself as one of the queens of '90s cinema in this dark comedy, in which she played an aspiring new anchor who had her husband murdered in hopes of making her dreams come true. The film allowed Kidman to truly shine by showing off her comedic chops and dramatic flair. 

'Practical Magic'

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Nicole Kidman in 'Practical Magic.' Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

In this witchcraft-filled romance, Kidman stars as an eccentric member of a magical family who is tormented with a ghastly curse. The irresistibly charming star dazzled in her role by being simultaneously provocative, assertive, and fun-loving.

'Moulin Rouge'

Nicole Kidman in 'Moulin Rouge!'
Nicole Kidman in 'Moulin Rouge!' Photo courtesy of IMDb.

In this glitzy, tense romance, Kidman showcases her broad range as a performer. She steps into the shoes of an 1899 Parisian singer, Satine, who begins a passionate love affair with an English writer despite being promised to a wealthy Duke who is funding her path to stardom. Kidman plays the part with a refreshing sincerity and earnest tenderness that earned her a Golden Globe.

'The Hours'

Nicole Kidman in 'The Hours.'
Nicole Kidman in 'The Hours.' Photo courtesy of IMDb.

Kidman gives a gut-wrenching performance as she transforms into author Virginia Woolf in this drama film based on the novel of the same name by Michael Cunningham. Her placid sullenness and unwavering pensiveness landed her an Oscar. 

'Big Little Lies'

Nicole Kidman in 'Big Little Lies.'
Nicole Kidman in 'Big Little Lies.' Photo courtesy of IMDb.

In one of the most mesmerizing performances of her career, the A-list star plays a devoted mother and wife in a Californian beach town who secretly is suffering from domestic abuse. Kidman conveys candid warmth in her Golden Globe-winning role with moments of unrelenting fury woven through.

'The Undoing'

Nicole Kidman in 'The Undoing.'
Nicole Kidman in 'The Undoing.' Photo courtesy of IMDb.

In this explosive HBO drama, Kidman portrays a rich therapist whose perfect life unravels when she learns her husband might be the cause of a huge tragedy. Her harrowing depiction of a woman battling earth-shattering pain signified she is a force with whom to be reckoned.

'Expats'

Nicole Kidman in 'The Expats.'
Nicole Kidman in 'The Expats.' Photo courtesy of IMDb.

Kidman continued to highlight her television acting prowess in this Amazon Prime miniseries set in the bustling region of Hong Kong. In the thoughtful exploration of grief and guilt, she is fearlessly vivacious and utterly human. 

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