Nicole Kidman always turns heads, but she made more than her usual impact at the annual Oscar-nominees luncheon on Monday when she revealed that she does not yet have a date for the big night itself. "I don’t really have anyone to bring at the moment," admitted the 34-year-old Australian, who has been nominated for best actress for her role as the courtesan Satine in Moulin Rouge! "I’m looking."
Providing a clue for eager suitors, the mother-of-two told reporters her beauty secret was "champagne". The luncheon, held at a plush Beverly Hills hotel, drew some 150 possible contenders for the prestigious statuettes, including A Beautiful Mind’s Russell Crowe and Sissy Spacek, who is nominated for In The Bedroom. With Oscar night a mere two weeks away, the mood was relaxed and the stars let their hair down a little.
Halle Berry, who was nominated as best actress for Monster’s Ball, said that despite winning the Best Female Actor gong at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG)on Sunday, she still didn’t think she was in with a chance at the Oscars. “I never think I’m going to win,” she commented. Meanwhile, Will Smith, who is nominated for his portrayal of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali in Michael Mann’s biopic Ali, was playing the joker. When asked how he felt about being nominated alongside Denzel Washington, the rapper-turned-actor said: “I’d feel better if this award was at the Grammys.” And during the “class picture” of all the nominees, he was pumping his fist in the air, giving high fives and cheering on the other contenders.
A more sedate British contingent revealed their pride at being nominated for Hollywood’s most prestigious accolade. Helen Mirren, who picked up a supporting actor accolade for Gosford Park at the SAG ceremony, denied that she had now moved into first place in the running for best supporting actress. “I’m just a tiny blip on that particular radar screen,” she said. “Personally I don’t think I’ve got a hope in hell.”
In The Bedroom actor Tom Wilkinson was basking in the glory of just being nominated. “It’s beyond your wildest dream," he said. Other Brit nominees Jim Broadbent, Kate Winslet and Sir Ben Kingsley also attended the event. Now in its 21st year, this year’s luncheon attracted a record attendance of the acting and directing nominees: all five of the directors and 15 of the 20 actors were there. Each one was called to the stage and presented with certificates of nomination by Academy President Frank Pierson and honorary sweatshirts were handed out offstage.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
