Nicole Kidman’s Commitment to Female Directors
More than **eight years ago**, Nicole Kidman made a significant **commitment** not just to her career but to advancing the careers of women in the film industry. She vowed to work with a **female director** every 18 months. Since then, Kidman has exceeded her initial goal, collaborating with an impressive **27** women directors.
“I was going to make it possible,” she stated during a conversation at the **Cannes Film Festival**, part of Kering’s Women in Motion talks. “As much as I’m an actor looking for great roles, I’m also looking to **experiment**. I don’t want to be contained and I don’t want to be safe.” Kidman articulated her desire to push boundaries, highlighting that many emerging filmmakers share this goal.
A Glorious Cannes History
The discussion took place in the majestic Kering Suite, offering a sunlit view of the **French Riviera**. The moderator—Variety’s **Angelique Jackson**—started by highlighting Kidman’s remarkable history at Cannes. Her journey began with early work like Ron Howard’s *Far and Away* and extended through notable films such as Gus Van Sant’s *To Die For* and Baz Luhrmann’s *Moulin Rouge*. In **2017**, she had the extraordinary feat of showcasing four different projects at the festival, including *How to Talk to Girls at Parties* and *The Beguiled*, the latter earning **Sofia Coppola** the Best Director prize. Kidman’s contributions extend beyond acting; she has also served on the festival jury.
Recognition at the Kering Awards
As part of the festivities, Kidman was slated to receive the gala’s **top prize** at the Kering Women in Motion Awards. “Talking about women and the voices of women in cinema is such an honor,” Kidman expressed, encapsulating her triumphant role in advocating for women in the film sector.
During the conversation, she also pointed out the increasing representation of women directors in the **2025 Cannes competition lineup**. She specifically mentioned **Mascha Schilinski’s** German-language film *Sound of Falling*, emphasizing the positive buzz surrounding it.
Collaboration with Fellow Filmmakers
When discussing her relationships with female directors, **Angelique Jackson** directed Kidman’s attention to **Susanne Bier**, a close friend and frequent collaborator. The pair is set to reunite for a sequel to *Practical Magic*, featuring **Sandra Bullock**. Kidman offered insights into the project’s status, revealing that Warner Bros. has set a release date for **September 18, 2026**.
Kidman expressed enthusiasm for the creative process wrapped around working with familiar faces: “The two of us were like, well, this is the perfect triangle because we all know each other so well.” Their upcoming project promises to be fun and different from previous duo efforts like *Babygirl*.
The Impact of Social Media
In reflecting on other projects, Kidman acknowledged the virality of *Babygirl*, which gained traction on **TikTok**. “Suddenly the thing was finding its own way,” she remarked about the film that co-starred **Harris Dickinson**. She emphasized the shifting landscape of how news travels in the digital age: awards become secondary to how audiences engage with content.
Exploration of New Roles
Kidman revealed she had recently arrived in Cannes and had held a meeting with an unnamed director regarding a potentially **disturbing role**. She enthusiastically accepted the challenge, stating, “Absolutely! Absolutely!” This eagerness for versatile roles illustrates her commitment to the craft and desire to engage in thought-provoking cinema.
Despite her busy schedule, Kidman shared that she takes time to harness her creativity during unconventional hours. “I do it at 3 a.m., writing sessions. I wake up and I’ll write something, be it a dream or something circulating in my head,” she shared, highlighting the inspiration that comes at night when one’s mind strays far from everyday reality.
When prompted about whether viewers would see her as a credited **screenwriter** or **director** in the future, she replied succinctly, “No.” However, she humorously added, “I always say no and turn around and change my mind,” hinting at her open-minded approach to evolving in her career.
Celebrating Women in Cinema
Nicole Kidman’s steadfast commitment to women directors and her exploration of diverse roles demonstrate her impactful role in the film industry. By actively seeking collaboration with female directors, Kidman is not only advancing her own career but also paving the way for future generations of **women filmmakers**.
The Cannes Film Festival and the Kering Women in Motion initiative provide platforms to showcase and promote women’s contributions to cinema. Kidman’s story serves as an inspiring example of how **dedication** to a cause can fluently blend with artistic ambition, creating opportunities for powerful artistic collaborations and enriching the cinematic landscape.