Former Palisadian Nicole Kidman Earns Oscar Nomination

By LILY TINOCO | Reporter

This year’s Academy Awards ceremony is slated to return to Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 27.

When it comes to films with ties to Pacific Palisades, former Palisadian Nicole Kidman is nominated for Best Actress for her portrayal of Lucille Ball in “Being the Ricardos.” She is nominated alongside Jessica Chastain from “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” Olivia Colman in “The Lost Daughter,” Penélope Cruz in “Parallel Mothers” and Kristen Stewart in “Spencer.”

“Wow, I’m so overwhelmed,” Kidman said in a succeeding statement. “Just having breakfast with my family when the nominations came in. What a beautiful way to find out. This was the hardest role I’ve ever done and to be honored this way is deeply appreciated.

“And to Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., thank you for trusting me with the opportunity to inhabit your mother. Lucille Ball is one of Hollywood’s greatest icons. She was ahead of her time. From actress to producer to studio head, mother and wife, she’s an extraordinary inspiration. Thank you Lucille Ball and to everyone who worked on this film both in front of and behind the camera, our passionate and hardworking crew, Amazon, Todd Black, Aaron Sorkin, this nomination is ours to share.”

Kidman also discussed her nomination with The View, sharing that she was moved to tears.

Palisadian director Steven Spielberg’s latest film, “West Side Story,” earned a total of seven nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Ariana DeBose), Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.

The Best Picture nomination makes Spielberg the only person in history to receive 11 nominations in the Academy’s top category, according to Deadline.

“West Side Story” also marks his eighth Oscar nomination for directing.

Guillermo del Toro’s mystery noir film “Nightmare Alley,” which stars Palisadian Bradley Cooper, is also nominated for a bevy of awards including Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.

Disney and Pixar’s “Luca,” which stars former The Adderley School and Paul Revere Charter Middle School student Jack Dylan Grazer, is nominated for Best Animated Feature Film.

Produced by Will Packer and directed by Glenn Weiss, the show will also have a host for the first time since 2018. The 94th Academy Awards emcee has not been announced.