Nicole Kidman On Her Favorite Oscars Dresses, and Last Night’s Armani Gown

Nicole Kidman is no stranger to attending the Oscars. A five-time nominee, the actor has been a mainstay at the awards ceremony over the years. She also won Best Actress back in 2003, for her captivating performance as Virginia Woolf in The Hours. At last night’s Oscars, Kidman was back at it again, this time as a presenter. This meant way less pressure than the times she was nominated. “It’s always an honor to attend as a nominee,” says Kidman, “but it’s so fun to go and be there to enjoy the show, the great work of the year, and to cheer on some of my friends.”

Presenting the Best Director category on stage alongside actor Idris Elba, Kidman says her favorite part of last night was mingling and catching up with her fellow thespians during the ceremony. “It’s not often that I get to see so many people I love and admire all in one night,” she says. “I love getting to hold someone’s hand, look them in the eye, and tell them how much I enjoyed their work this year—and I got to do that with so many people last night.”

Before she did so, Kidman also descended upon the Oscars champagne carpet. The star chose a custom Armani Privé couture gown, which was entirely embroidered with black sequins and floral appliqués. “I adore Mr. Armani and the whole Armani family,” says Kidman. “I loved the architecture of the dress this year and the simplicity. The flowers were all hand-embroidered and exquisitely made; I love their attention to detail and chic glamour.”

Photo: Getty Images

Kidman has, of course, worn many showstopping gowns over the years at the Oscars—including her chartreuse John Galliano-for-Dior dress in 1997, and her black Jean Paul Gaultier gown when she won in 2003. When asked if she has a personal favorite, Kidman says it’s hard to choose just one. “It’s difficult because they all have a story behind them,” says Kidman. “For many of my past looks, I was fortunate to collaborate with some of the greatest artists in fashion—Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, Nicolas Ghesquière, and Mr. Armani—and it always takes my breath away when you’re working with [them], and you see how they create in person. It’s the highest honor to be their muse for the night!”

Her latest Armani look, then, is a just new addition to her long slew of winning Oscars looks. And now that awards season is wrapped, Kidman says she will be getting right back to her film sets. “I have a series coming out by Lulu Wang called Expats, which we’re still finishing, and I am filming with another female director Mimi Cave right now, who is such a talent,” says Kidman. “I love championing this new generation of female directors.” In the coming weeks, she’s also putting aside a little R&R time. “I will also spend time with my family, and am looking forward to the spring—my favorite season.”

Below, a closer look inside Kidman’s chic Oscars night.