Nicole Kidman achieved a significant career milestone by winning an Academy Award for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in the film "The Hours." However, despite the accomplishment, Kidman didn't experience the feelings she had anticipated.
In 2003, Kidman won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in "The Hours," a drama that explored the lives of three women from different time periods. She played the renowned novelist Virginia Woolf, who struggled with mental health issues while working on a new book. The praise for Kidman's performance led to her well-deserved win.
At the time, Kidman considered the Oscar nomination alone to be a memorable moment in her life, envisioning herself reflecting on it as an old woman.
Although she was seen as the favorite to win, she didn't expect it, drawing a comparison to her father's approach to horse racing where they never backed the favorite.
Ironically, Kidman didn't experience joy or fulfillment after winning the Oscar. She was going through a highly publicized divorce with her former husband Tom Cruise and felt a sense of emptiness without someone to share the victory. The professional success contrasted with the struggles in her personal life, leading her to reflect on the hollowness within.
Despite their separation, Kidman harbored no ill feelings towards Cruise.
She even reached out to him and their son Connor Cruise to share the news of her win, emphasizing her commitment to being there for them throughout their lives. Kidman drew inspiration from a line in "The Hours" that highlighted the enduring bond between her and Cruise, acknowledging the importance of maintaining love and support for their children.
Additionally, Kidman revealed that her role in "The Hours" had a profound impact on her mental health. Immersing herself in the character of Virginia Woolf, she experienced a sense of emotional detachment and depression that mirrored the character's struggles.
Kidman regarded acting as a means to explore various emotional landscapes, including mental health, loss, and joy, recognizing the beauty of delving into different life experiences.
In conclusion, despite winning an Oscar for her role in "The Hours," Nicole Kidman felt a sense of emptiness due to personal struggles at the time. She reached out to her ex-husband Tom Cruise to share the news, emphasizing their enduring connection. Furthermore, Kidman's dedication to her craft led her to immerse herself in the character, experiencing emotional impact in the process. Acting allowed her to traverse different emotional landscapes and gain a deeper understanding of life's complexities.