Nicole Kidman will receive the 2025 Women in Motion Award at the Cannes Film Festival, presented by Kering and the festival organizers. This marks her return to Cannes for the first time since 2017, when she was recognized with the 70th Anniversary Prize.
The award, part of a program launched in 2015, recognizes contributions by women across culture and the arts. Kidman will join previous recipients such as Jane Fonda, Viola Davis, Michelle Yeoh, and Salma Hayek Pinault. She will be honored during a gala dinner attended by filmmakers, executives, and members of the Cannes jury.
“It’s a true honor to receive this award from François, Thierry, Iris, my friends at the Kering Group as well as the Cannes Film Festival,” Kidman said. “I am proud to join this list of extraordinary women who’ve received this honor before me—artists and trailblazers I deeply admire.”
François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering, described Kidman as an artist who exemplifies the spirit of Women in Motion through her professional standards, project choices, and contributions to reshaping cinematic representation. Cannes Festival director Thierry Frémaux praised her career as a series of carefully built performances, highlighting her ability to portray complex, dynamic characters.
Throughout her career, Kidman has collaborated with directors such as Stanley Kubrick, Jane Campion, Baz Luhrmann, Lars von Trier, Sofia Coppola, and Gus Van Sant. She has received recognition for taking on roles that contributed to evolving portrayals of women in film. In addition to acting, she established her production company, Blossom Films, in 2010, backing female-centered narratives such as Big Little Lies.
In 2017, during the Cannes presentation of The Beguiled, Kidman publicly committed to working with a female director every 18 months. Since then, she has collaborated with 19 female directors, exceeding her original pledge. Iris Knobloch, Cannes Festival president, commended this record, stating that Kidman’s efforts have provided greater visibility for female storytellers.
Also Read
Kidman recently earned accolades for her role in Babygirl, receiving a Best Actress award at Venice and a Golden Globe nomination. She was also the 49th recipient of the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Beyond her artistic achievements, Kidman has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and UN Women, promoting advocacy for women’s and children’s rights.
