Nichole Kidman Champions Female Directors at Cannes
More than eight years ago, renowned actress Nicole Kidman set a personal goal to collaborate with a female director every 18 months. Over time, she has surpassed this original target, forming partnerships with an impressive total of 27 women directors.
During her feature conversation at Kering’s Women in Motion event at the illustrious Cannes Film Festival, Kidman expressed her motivation, stating, “I was going to make it possible. For me, at this stage of my life, to have that purpose and commitment pulls me through. While I search for exciting roles as an actor, I also seek opportunities to experiment and push boundaries. Young filmmakers share this desire for exploration, which makes collaboration with them a thrilling experience.”
A Journey Through Cannes
The discussion, hosted in a stunning suite of the Majestic Hotel overlooking the French Riviera, began with a retrospect of Kidman’s remarkable history at Cannes. Her journey began with iconic films such as Ron Howard’s Far and Away and included culturally significant projects like Gus Van Sant’s To Die For, Lars Von Trier’s Dogville, and Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge. In 2017, Kidman showcased four projects: How to Talk to Girls at Parties, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Top of the Lake: China Girl, and Sofia Coppola’s The Beguiled, which earned Coppola a Best Director award.
Anticipating the prestigious Kering Women in Motion Awards set for that evening, Kidman expressed her gratitude: “To be asked back to receive this award and discuss the significance of women’s voices in cinema is such an honor.”
Spotlighting Female Talent
In discussing the increasing representation of female directors, Kidman pointed out the notable entries in the 2025 Cannes lineup, specifically highlighting Mascha Schilinski’s German-language film Sound of Falling, which she has heard positive feedback about.
When prompted about her collaborative processes with female directors, moderator Angelique Jackson from Variety brought up Susanne Bier, a close friend and frequent collaborator. Kidman shared an exciting update about their upcoming project—a sequel to Practical Magic, alongside Sandra Bullock, slated for release on September 18, 2026. “Sandy has worked with her as well, so this is the perfect triangle. We know each other well, and it’s exciting to explore something fun and witchy together,” she noted.
The Buzz Around Babygirl
Kidman took a moment to discuss the recent success of Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn, noting its viral emergence on TikTok. “Suddenly, the film found its own path,” she remarked about her experience with co-star Harris Dickinson. “Awards aside, it’s exciting to see how quickly news spreads now, with audiences eager to watch.”
A Creative Process and Future Projects
Having arrived in Cannes the previous day, Kidman also hinted at a potential new role after a meeting with a director who proposed a project she described as “incredibly disturbing.”Her enthusiastic response was, “Absolutely! Absolutely!”
In her downtime, Kidman indulges her creative spirit through late-night writing sessions, often inspired by dreams or thoughts that emerge in the early hours. “I prioritize writing around 2 or 3 a.m. because that time feels particularly ripe for creativity, allowing subconscious thoughts and feelings to surface,” she shared.
The Future of Kidman’s Creative Ventures
As the conversation wrapped up, Jackson inquired whether we might soon see Kidman take on a role as a credited screenwriter or director. Kidman promptly replied, “No,” but with a playful addendum, “I always say no and then change my mind later.”