Before the award ceremony, Kidman took part in a Woman in Motion talk hosted by Variety’s Angelique Jackson. During the event, she spoke about her strong commitment to supporting female filmmakers in the film and television industry.
A Promise to Uplift Women in Film
In 2017, Kidman made a public promise to work with at least one female director every 18 months. She admitted she wasn’t sure it would be possible at the time, but she was determined to make it happen. Since then, she has collaborated with 27 women directors across various film and TV projects, including several that are currently in development.
“I was going to make it possible,” she said during the talk. “There was a time when there were very few women to choose from as directors. People would say it’s someone’s first time and they didn’t want to take the risk.”
Kidman decided to change that mindset. “We are going to take the risk,” she said. “We’re going to support them, mentor them, and protect them so they can do their best work.”
Breaking Barriers and Fighting Bias
Kidman emphasized the double standards that women face in Hollywood. She said female directors are often judged more harshly than their male counterparts. If a man makes a mistake, he usually gets another chance. But for women, one misstep can end their careers.
“I tell young women directors that if their project isn’t perfect, it doesn’t mean they’ve failed,” she said. “They deserve more than one chance.”
She also spoke about ageism in the industry. “You may have made a great film in your 20s, but if you’re in your 40s and haven’t had a hit lately, people stop believing in you. I want to change that too.”
A Diverse Portfolio of Female Talent
Kidman has worked with both established and up-and-coming women directors. Her recent films include Halina Reijn’s Babygirl and Mimi Cave’s Holland, which premiered on Prime Video. On television, she’s starred in Lulu Wang’s Expats and Susanne Bier’s The Perfect Couple. Bier will also direct Kidman in the upcoming Practical Magic 2 alongside Sandra Bullock.
No Plans to Direct
Despite her passion for filmmaking, Kidman says she has no interest in directing. “I love supporting filmmakers as a producer,” she explained. “As an actor, I enjoy putting myself in the hands of a director. That intimacy is what keeps me going. It’s my salvation.”
Making Progress, But More Work Ahead
When Kidman made her vow in 2017, women directed only 4% of the year’s top-grossing films. That number rose to 13.6% in 2024. While she sees this as progress, she says it’s still far too low.
“We need more financial mentors to step in and support new talent,” Kidman said. “It’s about finding people who are willing to invest in unknown women directors and take a chance.”
Kidman was last honored at Cannes in 2017, when she received the festival’s 70th Anniversary Prize. This year, she will receive the 10th Woman in Motion Award during a special dinner on May 18.
Related topics:
