Nicole Kidman describes her Oscar nomination for her portrayal as Lucille Ball in ‘Being the Ricardos’ as “more intense” and “more appreciated” than her prior nominations, owing to the complexities of her role.
“It feels more intense, more appreciated,” Kidman says. “I think because of what it entailed and playing both roles and trying to play Lucy Ricardo and Lucille Ball, and just the magnitude of it. It felt like a massive undertaking, but it’s also just joy as well. I think everyone goes, ‘Oh, well, you just sort of pick and choose.’ No, it’s very much about a director choosing you to play a role. … I am so fortunate to have this role.”
Kidman had previously been nominated for best actress for the films ‘Moulin Rouge!’ (2002), ‘The Hours’ (2003, which she won), and ‘Rabbit Hole’ (2011), as well as her supporting performance in ‘Lion’ (2017).
Jessica Chastain (The Eyes of Tammy Faye), Olivia Colman (The Lost Daughter), Penélope Cruz (Parallel Mothers), and Kristen Stewart were all nominated for best actress on Tuesday (Spencer).
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Kidman said she found out about her nomination while having breakfast with her family in Nashville and getting her children ready for school. Kidman said of the experience, “It’ll be something I’ll never forget.”
‘Being the Ricardos’ also stars Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz, as well as J.K. Simmons and Nina Arianda (who was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actor). The film was written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. From the moment she read the screenplay for ‘Being the Ricardos,’ Kidman knew she had something exceptional on her hands.
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“Any actor will tell you, you’re only as good as your editors, director, writer and cast members,” said Kidman. “Really, none of this is done alone. It’s all of us together. And I think we all did a reading of the screenplay and went, ‘Oh my gosh, I just hope we can realize this for Aaron, and for Lucille Ball.’ I think for Lucy and Desi, that was so much of what Javier and I were committed to, was going, ‘How do we play these people in this new, compressed version?’”
The Academy Awards for 2022 will be presented on March 27.
