The Queen of the Cannes
This year, veteran actor Nicole Kidman was the undisputed queen of the Cannes Film Festival. The 70th iteration of the prestigious festival saw the screening of four of her films, each of which was highly praised. Her projects included “The Killing of a Sacred Deer”, “How to Talk to Girls at Parties”, “The Beguiled” and “Top of the Lake”. She was also given the 70th Anniversary Award, a special recognition for her contributions to the festival. We bring you excerpts from Nicole Kidman’s interviews in the Cannes Film Festival, and the credits exclusively go to Deadline, Gala, Variety, Screen and Hollywood Reporter.
For the first time you have four films competing in the Cannes. How does that make you feel?
(Laughs) It's really a coincidence. It was like a surprise because "Top of the Lake" is an Australian film. Thus, it's a bit different. I am at that point in life where I act like a 21-year old and perform in all the films possible.
Since this is the 70th year for Cannes, is there anything special about it that you will never forget?
I will remember "Moulin Rouge", which was a big film with lots of mixed reception. I think we won a Golden Globe and got nominated for an Academy Award. I have been to the Cannes many times, and I am always happy to support my directors, who I deem to be powerful and uncompromising.
Every year you are a big part of Cannes and this year was certainly no different, with so many featured movies. Tell us about one of those movies: Yorgos Lanthimos's "The Killing of a Sacred Deer".
Yorgos is tremendous. I've loved "The Lobster and Dogtooth". These days they rarely make films like this anymore but they still need to be made.
What did you feel about "The Beguiled", which is perhaps Sofia Coppola's re-imagining of the 1971 Clint Eastwood movie?
I would say it is Sofia's unique vision. She is deeply feminine, and her storytelling is not plot-driven. Jane Campion described her 'femme style' quite beautifully. Right now, I am in a place where I can support female directors. It's a conscious choice and I will not go for two or three years without working with a woman. I will seek them out and continue to help them because I feel that is very important right now.
Is it difficult to represent so many different projects at the Cannes?
Not really, especially if I am with my husband, Keith Urban-Ed. He is always very supportive with me when it comes to being a part of all these projects. During the premiere night of "The Killing of a Sacred Deer", he was shaking to the bone. After the screening, he just continuously kept on talking about the movie. Funnily enough, he was saying that he needed to go to the bathroom but kept it in throughout the whole screening. It was clear that he didn't want to miss even a single second, which is, of course, something I deeply appreciate! (laughs)
Do you enjoy going to the Cannes? Is it fun for you?
I wouldn't say it's fun, because I go there because as a part of my job. It's what I do. I have to support the filmmakers. These people are trying really hard to make these movies, so I have to support them. There's glamor attached to it but that can turn out to be quite intimidating at times. That's why, when you say fearless, I say no, there's definitely fear! Fear is always there, but I'm willing to put one foot in front of the other.
Truly, that's the career of Nicole Kidman: one foot in front of the other.
Two steps forward, one step back.
Source: Deadline, Gala, Variety, Screen and Hollywood Reporter