Nicole Kidman, during her acceptance speech for The Hollywood Reporter’s Sherry Lansing Leadership Award at THR‘s Women in Entertainment gala in Los Angeles on Wednesday, paid heartfelt tributes to her mentors. These mentors have played a crucial role in supporting and uplifting her throughout her career.

Friend and Co-star's Words of Appreciation

Laura Dern, Kidman's friend and Big Little Lies co-star, presented her with the award. Dern acknowledged their 25-year bond and described Kidman as her "leader, guide, producer, collaborator, sister" and "sometimes therapist." She shared how she was invited into the Australian coven over 25 years ago and witnessed Kidman's commitment to lifting other women. Dern also highlighted Kidman's work with female directors since 2017, with four of her six current projects directed by women. She praised Kidman's performance in the Halina Reijn-directed film Babygirl, which offers an extraordinary perspective on the human condition and societal expectations on women.

Dern closed her speech by thanking Kidman for her leadership. She emphasized that despite Kidman's endless commitments, she is always showing up in various aspects of life, not only as an actor and producer but also as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and advocate. Dern said Kidman is the greatest neighbor one could have.

Kidman expressed her gratitude to Dern, calling her her "girlfriend and confidante." She also acknowledged her close relationship with Sherry Lansing, the first woman to head a major Hollywood studio and the first executive she met when she came to the U.S. from Australia. Kidman shared how Sherry's mentorship was crucial during the early days of her career when she was nervous and intimidated.

Kidman's Acknowledgment of Previous Recipients

Kidman went on to acknowledge previous recipients of the award, such as Adele, Charlize Theron, Reese Witherspoon, Viola Davis, Meryl Streep, Barbra Streisand, and Oprah Winfrey. She said she has been lucky enough to share a set or a makeup trailer with some of them and that they have become her dearest and closest friends. She has sought their support during difficult times and they have continued to guide and push her.

Kidman also thanked the "emerging talent" she has worked with and learned from, including Halina Reijn. She expressed her hope of passing on the power she has been given by mentoring others.

The Heartfelt Moment: Daughter and Mother

The most touching moment of Kidman's speech was when she acknowledged her daughters and her late mother, Janelle Ann Kidman. She shared a story about her daughter Faith consoling her after she became upset about the loss of her mother. Kidman said Faith was her mentor, showing up with her at the gala and sharing her wisdom. Despite the loss of her mother, Kidman is here today with her daughter by her side.

Kidman closed out her speech by thanking her agent who has shown up at her bedside during difficult times. She encouraged people to seek mentorship and help others, emphasizing the importance of passing on support and guidance.

THR‘s Women in Entertainment gala was sponsored by Best Buy, Delta Air Lines, Rare Beauty, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Sephora and WME and in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, Entertainment Industry Foundation, Gersh, Chapman University and Loyola Marymount University. It was held in conjunction with the publication of THR’s annual Women in Entertainment issue and Power 100 list.