Plus: Morgan Freeman spoofs Kidman’s iconic AMC ad and more highlights.
Nicole Kidmanis the latest recipient of the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award and apparently a committed skinny-dipper.
AndMike Myerssurprised everyone when he emerged from behind anEyes Wide Shutmask.
Morgan Freeman.Kevin Winter/Getty
It was a true Kidman love-fest, filled with laughter and deep affection.
Here, the five best moments from her AFI ceremony.
Freeman delivered the entire speech, adjusted to fete Kidman.
Keith Urban.Kevin Winter/Getty
“Somehow, she makes heartbreak feel good in a place like this,” he quipped.
“Nicole Kidman she just makes movies better.”
But on Saturday, Urban proved he’s the ultimate wife guy.
Miles Teller.Kevin Winter/Getty
“Four months into a marriage, I’m in rehab for three months,” Urban said.
“We had no idea what was going to happen to us.
And if you want to see what love in action really looks like, give that a whirl.
Meryl Streep.Kevin Winter/Getty
Nic pushed through every negative voice I’m sure even some of her own.
And she chose love.
And here we are tonight, 18 years later.”
Nicole Kidman.Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
Urban brought the house down with his praise and awe for her work.
“And she would say things to me like, ‘I don’t need anyone.
I can take care of myself.’
I’m going to love you through everything.”
“She’s raw, but she’s resilient,” he concluded.
“She’s serious and a complete goofball, crazy fun to be around.
She’s an excellent organizer, and she’s super chill.
But she also has a bit of a mantra and that is: ‘Choose love.’
She always chooses that phrase.
She lives by ‘Choose love.’
She has a capacity to love like no one I’ve ever met.
And I know tonight’s all about her body of work so far.
So far, baby!
But next year will be 20 years that I’ve been madly in love with you.
But his cutest admission was about what happened after production ended.
Teller gave Kidman a hug at the wrap party, assuming he’d probably never hear from her again.
It was like for an Easter egg hunt.
And I framed it.
That really did mean so much to me, and it still does.”
She also revealed a surprising story about Kidman’s morning routine on the set of their seriesBig Little Lies.
I said, ‘No, Nicole?’
She goes, ‘Yeah, you know what she does?
She goes out at 5 before dawn and she goes skinny-dipping behind the hotel in the ocean.’
I looked at Nicole and I said, ‘Are you kidding me?
The Pacific is like 48 degrees in March.’
Nicole said, ‘Yeah!
I love it!'"
The range of your work is stunning.
Streep then told a story of witnessing Kidman’s process firsthand on season 2 ofBig Little Lies.
“But I don’t think it’s bravery.
I think it’s love.
I think she just loves it.
You have that, baby.”
She began by gushing back at Streep, saying, “I’ve always loved you.
I don’t know what it is.
You’re a beacon of excellence and warmth and generosity, but you’ve been my guiding light.
So to receive this from you, you have no idea.
My husband will attest, my parents will attest.
It’s always been you, and no one can touch you.”
“Be careful who you say no to,” she joked.
“I’ve subsequently learned, you don’t turn down Jane Campion.
Kidman also took the time to thank each of her directors by name.
Kidman closed with a call to action to support fresh storytelling and new talent.
We need to give them the chance to say it and to hear them.”
“And I’m here.
I’m ready to roll up my sleeves,” she concluded.
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