Nicole Kidman's Dramatic Oscars Return in Pink Feathered Gown
Nicole Kidman certainly made a memorable entrance as she arrived at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday evening at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The Australian actress, aged 57, struck a series of dramatic poses while sauntering onto the red carpet in a stunning baby pink feathered strapless gown. The Scarpetta star pouted and preened, tossing her strawberry blonde locks as she posed enthusiastically for the awaiting cameras.
Addressing the Viral Seal-Like Applause from 2017
At one point during her red carpet appearance, Nicole even appeared to clap—a subtle throwback to when she was famously caught on camera giving a round of applause 'like a seal' at the very same awards show back in 2017. Nicole recently addressed that moment of humiliation during a video shoot for Vanity Fair's 2025 Hollywood Issue, revealing that she is now more conscious about how she demonstrates her appreciation.
Appearing alongside Skins actor Dev Patel, Nicole said as they made conversation in front of the camera: 'I know what I do when I clap, and I've been ridiculed for that.' She then mimicked her seal-like applause, prompting Dev to comment, 'I've seen that.' Nicole confessed, 'I now try to clap like this,' showing off her delicate and light applause that sees the tips of her fingers making contact with her palm.
The Origins of the Unusual Applause
Nicole Kidman originally sent social media into meltdown at the Oscars in 2017 when she was seen enthusiastically applauding after Charlize Theron took to the stage to introduce an award. One observer wrote at the time: 'Anyone see Nicole Kidman clapping? She claps like a seal.' Nicole later addressed her strange movement, revealing that it was all down to a bit of a wardrobe malfunction.
Speaking on Australian radio show Kyle & Jackie O, she recalled: 'It was really awkward! I was like, 'Gosh, I want to clap. I don't want to not be clapping.' It was really difficult because I had a huge ring on that was not my own, but it was absolutely gorgeous, and I was terrified of damaging it!'
First Oscars as a Single Woman Post-Divorce
This year marks the first time Nicole Kidman has attended the Oscars as a single woman. Last September, it was revealed that the actress and her husband Keith Urban had split after 19 years of marriage. The separation reportedly followed a rocky path in summer 2025, with sources indicating it was a long-term development. Not long after ringing in the new year, the former couple reached a settlement agreement to finalize their divorce.
During an interview with Variety last week, Nicole opened up about the divorce and shared how she is now 'moving forward.' She stated: 'What I'm grateful for is my family, and keeping them as is, and moving forward. That's that.' The Big Little Lies star added, 'I'm staying in a place of, 'We are a family,' and that's what we'll continue to be. My beautiful girls, my darlings, who are suddenly women.'
When questioned if she was 'doing all right' after the split, the actress replied, 'I am, because I'm always going to be moving toward what's good.' She reflected: '[Last year] I was quiet. I had other things going on. I was in my shell. Now I'm in a place of saying, '2026. Here we go.''
Current Projects and Professional Endeavours
Nicole Kidman recently took on a leading role in the Amazon Prime Video series Scarpetta, which released on the streaming site on March 11. The cast of the thriller includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker, and Ariana DeBose. The premise follows a brilliant forensic pathologist who uses forensic technology to solve crimes, according to IMDB.
On her special night at the Oscars, mother-of-four Nicole was dripping in diamonds, sporting bracelets on both wrists as well as elegant drop earrings. Her appearance combined glamour with personal reflection, showcasing her resilience and continued prominence in the entertainment industry.
