Just recently , Nicole Kidman – the Oscar – winning actress , considered the “ cold queen ” of Hollywood – made hundreds of people in the audience choke up when she publicly shed tears and made a shocking announcement : She will officially retire from acting after her last film is released next year .
Nicole made the announcement at a closed – door press conference at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival , where she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award . But no one expected that behind the halo of glory was a decision filled with emotion and tears .
“ I have loved enough… and now it is time to let go”
At the moment of receiving the award, Nicole Kidman stood still for a moment, then choked up and said:
“ I loved the seventh art with all I had . But now , I want to spend the rest of my life loving myself and my family – something I have missed for so long . ”
As soon as she finished speaking , the entire audience held their breath . The camera captured the moment Nicole wiped away her tears with trembling hands . Her husband – singer Keith Urban – and two daughters were sitting in the front row , equally moved .
A brilliant career … but lonely
Nicole Kidman has spent more than 40 years in the profession with countless memorable roles in films such as Moulin Rouge !, The Hours , Eyes Wide Shut or the series Big Little Lies . However , behind the gorgeous dresses and prestigious golden statues , there is a woman who has collapsed from trauma , especially after her broken marriage with Tom Cruise – something she rarely mentions .
In her speech , Nicole admitted :
There were years when I did n’t know who I was outside of my roles . I was tired, I was exhausted … and I wanted to be a mother, a wife, a normal woman , if it was still possible .”
Immediately , a series of big names such as Meryl Streep , Reese Witherspoon , Hugh Jackman , and director Baz Luhrmann sent their compliments , thanks , and regrets to Nicole . On social networks , the phrase ” Nicole Kidman Retires ” climbed to the top of global trends in just 15 minutes .
You deserve a peaceful life more than anyone . ” “ No one can replace Nicole Kidman . The queen is always the queen . ”
Nicole said her final film , The Glass Garden , which is in post – production and scheduled for release in early 2026 , will be “ a final gift to the audience who have loved her for the past four decades . ”
Conclusion
Nicole Kidman is more than just an actress , she is a symbol of resilience , class and feminism in a tumultuous Hollywood . Now , as the lights begin to dim on stage , millions of hearts still turn to her – not to hold on , but to say a worthy thank you : Thank you for living with us through each role .
