Australian-born Hollywood icon Nicole Kidman receives the prestigious AFI Life Achievement Award, a fitting recognition for her remarkable career. To commemorate this honor, Variety unveils their ranking of her 12 most captivating film performances.

Kidman's journey began Down Under, but her talent quickly transcended borders. A standout role in a 1989 thriller marked her arrival in Hollywood, paving the way for a diverse filmography. Her early potential was solidified with a Golden Globe nomination for a supporting role in a 1991 gangster flick.

Five Oscar nominations throughout her illustrious career stand as a testament to Kidman's exceptional talent. She brought to life the vibrant energy of a showgirl in a dazzling 2001 musical, later transforming into the hauntingly complex Virginia Woolf for a poignant 2002 drama, which earned her the coveted Best Actress award. Her versatility is further evidenced by additional Oscar nods for her portrayals in a 2010 exploration of grief, a 2016 true story of adoption, and a 2021 biopic.

Beyond the silver screen, Kidman has captivated audiences on the small screen as well. Her portrayal of a woman grappling with domestic abuse in a hit HBO miniseries garnered not only critical acclaim but also two Emmy Awards. This project showcased another facet of her artistry – producing – as she joined forces with another Hollywood powerhouse for this award-winning limited series.

Kidman's unwavering commitment to seeking out complex and authentic roles has cemented her position as a force to be reckoned with in contemporary cinema. Her dedication to pushing boundaries through her project choices continues to surprise and enthrall audiences worldwide. This tribute by Variety highlights her most captivating film performances, offering a glimpse into the remarkable career of a true Hollywood legend.

Bonus: The write-up also acknowledges some of Kidman's other notable films that further showcase her diverse filmography.

'Dead Calm' (1989)

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Here's an extended version that dives deeper into the impact of "Dead Calm":

• The 1989 film "Dead Calm," directed by the acclaimed Philip Noyce, marked a pivotal moment for Nicole Kidman's career in the United States. This chilling horror-thriller, co-starring Sam Neill and Billy Zane, wasn't just a box office success, but a critical turning point. Kidman's performance as a wife forced to confront nightmarish circumstances on a desolate sea voyage captivated audiences. Her portrayal showcased her remarkable range, effortlessly shifting between vulnerability and steely resolve. This captivating performance not only cemented her status as a rising star but also demonstrated her ability to command the screen and deliver powerful emotions. "Dead Calm" stands as a testament to Kidman's talent and her willingness to take on challenging roles, paving the way for her future success in Hollywood.

Lion' (2016)

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Kidman delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Sue Brierley, the adoptive mother of a young man (played by Dev Patel and Sunny Pawar) who is on a quest to find his lost family in India. Her portrayal, which earned an Oscar nomination, captures the intricate emotions of a mother's love, fear, and quiet strength. Through her remarkable ability to express deep emotional truths—like the joy of unconditional love—she brings a vital humanity to the film. Every word she speaks is moving, leaving you in tears.

'Malice' (1993)

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MALICE, Alec Baldwin, Nicole Kidman, 1993, (c) Columbia/courtesy Everett Collection

Photo: ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

In Harold Becker's thriller "Malice," Nicole Kidman stars alongside Alec Baldwin and Bill Pullman, delivering a mesmerizing performance filled with intrigue. Portraying the enigmatic Tracy Kennsinger, Kidman masterfully balances vulnerability with a mysterious edge. Her skillful ability to evoke both sympathy and surprise from the audience is particularly impressive, playing a crucial role in advancing the film's narrative.

In the underrated drama "My Life" (1993), Nicole Kidman delivered an exceptional performance in this tear-jerker. Playing Gail Jones, the pregnant wife of a terminally ill man (brilliantly portrayed by Michael Keaton), Kidman's portrayal is profoundly moving. Her ability to convey the early onset of mourning for her husband while anticipating the birth of their first child underscores her status as a formidable talent in Hollywood. Kidman's nuanced choices in this role solidified her influence in the industry, demonstrating her capacity to transform a story through her profound character interpretations. 

MY LIFE

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" from left: Michael Keaton, Nicole Kidman, 1993. © Columbia / courtesy Everett Collection

Photo: ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

"Dogville" (2003)

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DOGVILLE, Paul Bettany, Nicole Kidman, Stellan Skarsgård, 2003, (c) Lions Gate/courtesy Everett Collection

Photo: ©Lions Gate/Courtesy Everett Collection

Directed by Lars von Trier, "Dogville" featured a minimalist stage setting that relied heavily on its actors' performances. Nicole Kidman delivered a compelling portrayal of Grace, a mysterious woman with deep secrets. Alongside co-star Paul Bettany, her star power helped the indie drama reach audiences and immerse them in the auteur's vision. Kidman's performance is pitch-perfect.

'Rabbit Hole' (2010)

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RABBIT HOLE, from left: Miles Teller, Nicole Kidman, 2010. ©Lionsgate/Courtesy Everett Collection

Photo: ©Lions Gate/Courtesy Everett Collection

In John Cameron Mitchell’s poignant drama “Rabbit Hole,” Nicole Kidman portrays Becca Corbett, a woman navigating the intense grief of losing her child. This role required a delicate blend of sorrow and resilience, a challenge that could easily overpower a less experienced actress. Kidman adeptly conveyed the intricate layers of mourning and gradual healing, which were crucial for the narrative’s progression. Her Oscar-nominated performance gently guided the audience through the film’s exploration of grief and forgiveness.

Birth' (2004)

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Jonathan Glazer’s refined and suspenseful film “Birth” features an unforgettable performance by Nicole Kidman. In the role of Anna, a widow confronted by a young boy claiming to be the reincarnation of her late husband, Kidman navigates a complex array of emotions, blending skepticism, vulnerability, and a desperate longing to rekindle lost love. The film’s mysterious and ethereal tone, which could easily falter under less skilled direction, is expertly maintained through Kidman’s performance, earning recognition from the Golden Globes. She skillfully conveys the palpable tension essential to the psychological narrative, subtly capturing the intricacies of a widow’s internal conflict.

'Eyes Wide Shut' (1999)

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Under the masterful direction of Stanley Kubrick, Kidman embarked on a captivating journey in the daring "Eyes Wide Shut," alongside her then-husband Tom Cruise, showcasing their artistic courage. As Kubrick’s final film, every scene carries the weight of his unparalleled legacy, infusing each moment with a profound sense of gravitas. Kidman’s portrayal of Alice Harford, a New York housewife exploring her desires and insecurities, is fearless. Kubrick’s influence is palpable, shaping the narrative with his distinctive blend of psychological depth and visual splendor. It’s impossible to look away.

'The Others' (2001)

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In the same year she received her inaugural Oscar nom for “Moulin Rouge,” Kidman delivered a haunting portrayal as Grace Stewart, a haunted mother confronting ghostly apparitions in Alejandro Amenábar’s gothic drama “The Others.” The dual feat in both movies stand as a rare instance where an actor is unquestionably deserving of double recognition in the same category, a practice prohibited by the Academy’s rules. Kidman’s turn, alongside the equally captivating supporting role by Fionnula Flanagan, serves as a reminder of the perennial undervaluation of horror films within the industry.

'The Hours' (2002)

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As part of a remarkable trio of powerful female performances, Nicole Kidman won the Best Actress Oscar for her transformative portrayal of famed novelist Virginia Woolf in Stephen Daldry’s second feature. Her inspired performance, enhanced by a prosthetic nose, captivated both audiences and critics. Alongside Julianne Moore, who was double-nominated that year for her roles in this film and "Far From Heaven," and Meryl Streep, nominated for Supporting Actress in "Adaptation," Kidman seamlessly integrated into the film's fabric. This culminated in a memorable Academy moment when the previous year’s Best Actor winner, Denzel Washington ("Training Day"), announced, "by a nose…Nicole Kidman.”

To Die For' (1995)

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Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Suzanne Stone in “To Die For” didn’t just boost her career; it launched her into superstardom. Kidman is utterly fearless as she embodies the role of an ambitious TV weathercaster with dangerously high aspirations. With a masterful mix of dark humor and chilling charm, she delivers a sociopathic allure that is both captivating and unsettling. Her ability to blend Suzanne’s naive ambitions with a sinister edge radiates an unsettling energy, making this role a cornerstone of Kidman’s most iconic performances. Fortunately, the Golden Globes recognized her talent by awarding her the lead actress (comedy) prize. Under Gus Van Sant’s sharp direction, the film’s biting satire perfectly complements Kidman’s performance, adding the final touch to a truly mesmerizing cinematic experience.

Moulin Rouge!' (2001)

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"Accumulating eight Oscar nominations, including one for best picture, "Moulin Rouge" emerges as a poignant romance woven with elements of tragedy from its very start. Its captivating musical sequences, each harmonizing with the next, elevate the film. Central to the narrative are the dynamic performances of Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman, the latter earning her debut Oscar nomination for best actress.”