At the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards on Saturday, two of Hollywood’s brightest stars, Ariana Grande and Nicole Kidman, shared a heartwarming moment on the red carpet.
The evening was full of celebrations as several stars were honored for their contributions to the film industry, including Angelina Jolie, Timothée Chalamet, Adrien Brody, Ralph Fiennes, and Kieran Culkin.
Ariana Grande’s Big Night: Rising Star Award
Ariana Grande, who has been riding high on the success of her new movie Wicked: Part One, was awarded the Rising Star Award at the festival.
The 31-year-old singer and actress stood out on the red carpet, stunning in a poufy white dress that seemed to channel her Wicked character Galinda.
Ariana’s elegant updo and radiant smile were a perfect match for her dazzling appearance.
During the event, Ariana took a moment to honor Nicole Kidman, 57, with a respectful curtsey and a kiss on Nicole’s hand, showing her admiration for the seasoned actress.
The two stars posed together, exuding their star power as photographers captured the moment.
Nicole Kidman Shines in Ocean-Inspired Glamour
Nicole Kidman, on the other hand, brought a bit of oceanic magic to the evening with her shimmering blue and silver outfit.
Her structured top, designed with a fish-scale motif, perfectly complemented her flowing blue gown, which sparkled under the event’s lights.
Nicole radiated elegance and glamour, making her a standout on the red carpet.
Ariana’s Humorous Acceptance Speech
When it was time for Ariana to accept her award, she was introduced by Jennifer Coolidge, whom Ariana famously impersonated during her hosting gig on Saturday Night Live.
On stage, Ariana expressed how much the recognition meant to her, jokingly thanking her friends Botox and Juvederm for their contribution to her youthful appearance.
The crowd laughed as Ariana humorously said, “I thought I’d be hearing ‘slightly withering star’ or ‘drooping star’ by now, so thank you.”
Nicole Kidman’s Emotional Dedication to Her Late Mother
The night also saw a deeply emotional moment when Nicole Kidman accepted the International Star Award, presented to her by Jamie Lee Curtis.
Nicole dedicated her award to her late mother, Janelle, who passed away in September.
Nicole had been unable to accept an award at the Venice Film Festival due to her mother’s death, and during her speech in Palm Springs, she emotionally thanked her director, Halina Reijn, for giving her the chance to honor her mom.
“I’m still grieving,” Nicole said, holding back tears.
“My whole career has been for my mom and my dad, who are not here now. I’m still going to keep working and giving to the world because I love what I do, and I love you all.”
She concluded her speech by dedicating the award to her mother, wiping away tears as the crowd applauded in support.
This heartfelt moment was a reminder of the deep connection between Nicole and her parents, as she continues to carry their legacy forward in her work.