The American Film Institute selected 12 films in honor of Nicole Kidman and therefore challenged me to make my selection. I’m going to separate the 10 works that made the Australian actress a legend.

Not in order of preference!

1- The Portrait of a Woman

In this film by Jane Campion, Nicole was snubbed by the Academy and was not even nominated. An embarrassment for the Oscar as it is one of her most delivered performances, so much so that she had a nervous breakdown when it was over.

2- Moulin Rouge

At the height of the scandal that led to the end of her marriage to Tom Cruise, Nicole appeared in a modern musical by Baz Lurhman, singing and dancing naturally. Spectacular, spectacular. She was nominated for an Oscar for the first time for the role. Iconic.

3- The Hours

Much was made of the nose that needed makeup to become Virginia Wolf. It’s a heartfelt performance that earned the actress her well-deserved Oscar for Best Actress. What more to say?

4- To Die For

Before working with Jane Campion or Baz Lurhman, it was Gus Van Sant who revealed an “unexpected” Nicole Kidman in Hollywood. In a complex role inspired by a true story, the actress is nothing short of brilliant in this bizarrely humorous thriller. But she was snubbed by the Academy. Another error.

5- Eyes Wide Shut

Stanley Kubrick and Nicole’s last film with her soon-to-be ex-husband, Tom Cruise, was surrounded by gossip, delays, and behind-the-scenes crises. Dense and work more for Tom, however, it is Nicole who makes the story make sense in a role that could never be left out of one of his best.

6- Dead Calm

This horror and violent film makes the cunning of a young Nicole so clear that Hollywood immediately opens its doors to her.

7- The Others

When she split from Tom Cruise, Nicole embarked on a string of spectacular films and The Others came almost simultaneously with Moulin Rouge, only making it clearer how she could make everyone laugh, cry, and be afraid. A great performance.

8- Big Little Lies

On TV, Nicole Kidman stole the excellent Big Little Lies with a painful performance as an abused woman who needs to find the strength to start over. An Emmy for Best Actress that was undeniable.

9- Dogville

A courageous work of filmed theater where Nicole, as Grace, endures hours and hours of psychological violence that are unbelievable but has its final twist.

10- Birth

I don’t like the film, it’s slow, it drags, but the concert sequence in which the camera follows Nicole’s emotions in real-time is Oscar written in every frame. But she was ignored. Still, she has to be here.

Which films would you choose?

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