Kate Hudson Receives Prestigious Award at Santa Barbara Film Festival
Kate Hudson was honored with the coveted Arlington Artist of the Year Award at the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival, with her close friend Gwyneth Paltrow presenting the accolade. The ceremony took place on Friday at The Arlington Theatre, where the two Hollywood stars shared a glamorous and emotional evening.
Red Carpet Glamour in Pink Ensembles
On the red carpet leading up to the presentation, Hudson, 46, and Paltrow, 53, posed together in stunning pink gowns. Hudson wore a custom Louis Vuitton dress in a dusty rose hue, which complemented her beach-blonde hair styled naturally over her shoulders. The gown featured embroidered accents and a loose, flowing design that trailed to her heels.
Paltrow radiated in a pale pink Prada dress with a mid-thigh hemline and long train, showcasing sheer details that highlighted her toned abs. She accessorized with pink Christian Louboutin heels and jewelry by Hearts on Fire, wearing her hair in a high ponytail. Both stars added sparkling touches, with Hudson donning jewelry by Sabyasachi for a radiant finish.
A Heartfelt Presentation and Sisterly Bond
During the award presentation, Paltrow referred to Hudson as 'kind of like a little sister to me' in her speech, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The two have known each other for over two decades, bonding through shared social circles and having children attending the same schools. Paltrow even hosted a 40th birthday party for Hudson in 2019, underscoring their deep friendship.
As Hudson accepted the award, the pair embraced warmly, with Paltrow standing proudly beside her. The event included congratulatory hugs and photo opportunities with fans, highlighting Hudson's joy and the supportive atmosphere of the festival.
Hudson's Career Reflections and Future Aspirations
Following the award ceremony, Hudson participated in an onstage chat with THR columnist Scott Feinberg. She discussed her desire for 'something different' after years of starring in romantic comedies, expressing frustration that filmmakers often typecast her in that genre.
'I think when you become really famous doing that genre, it’s hard for certain filmmakers to see you in anything other than what we’re watching,' Hudson explained. 'These sort of things that like, "Well, transforming isn’t what she does" when, in fact, it’s what I love to do.'
Hudson candidly shared that she is ready for 'the next phase' of her career, emphasizing her goal to attract audiences to theaters through transformative roles. 'This feels like the beginning of maybe that part where I get to do a little bit more transformations than maybe I’ve been able to do in the past,' she added.
Insights into Hudson's Oscar-Nominated Role
Hudson, who earned her second Oscar nomination for the film Song Sung Blue, also reflected on her experience working with co-star Hugh Jackman. The movie is based on the true story of married couple Mike and Claire Sardina, who formed the Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning and Thunder.
She described Jackman as a 'magical, sparkly man' with a youthful spirit and generous nature, noting that it was 'hard not to fall in love with him' during filming. The pair sang together in the movie, and Hudson revealed that practicing their vocals helped build their on-screen chemistry.
'We got in there and I think it was like finding the vibe because it's one thing to record for a recording, it's another thing to record for live,' Hudson said. 'It was kind of fun to find the imperfections and what we were going to be doing on the day. It was a great way to get to know each other.'
Writer-director Craig Brewer praised Hudson and Jackman's collaboration, calling their studio sessions 'magical' and highlighting the beauty of watching them sing harmony together. The film's production was marked by intimate moments that enhanced the portrayal of the married couple.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival event celebrated not only Hudson's achievements but also the enduring friendship between two of Hollywood's most beloved stars, making it a memorable night for attendees and fans alike.
