NICOLE KIDMAN:I was relieved, because we havent released the film yet.
You have no idea.
And I love Romy.
Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson in ‘Babygirl’A24 / Courtesy Everett Collection
I love the character.
So for her to be [recognized], its like shes been given a hug.
A big warm hug.
DEADLINE: It must have been slightly nerve-wracking, because its quite an unusual film for awards season.
Was that something that occurred to you?
Which I love, because its cross-generational, and thats something Halina really wanted.
So just that it is being understood by all different types of people is whats fascinating.
DEADLINE: Why did you want to do it so badly?
KIDMAN:Because its such a complex, beautiful role.
The role, and the storytelling.
Its entertaining, and it comes in a package.
So, as much as its unusual and bold, I hope theres an accessibility to it.
And its got an awesome title.
I mean, come on!
But to be in every frame of the movie…
I didnt quite realize what a risk it was.
I do now, and Im glad I didnt know when I set out to do it.
DEADLINE: When did you realize it was a risk?
And see where it lands.
Then I went, This could really hurt.
DEADLINE: What appealed to you about Halina?
Why did you want to work with her in particular?
KIDMAN:I just love that shes so provocative.
Shes got such a distinct voice.
DEADLINE: How did you find the character?
Was it all on the page?
Or did she help you look for it?
KIDMAN:We created it together.
Wed experiment as we were going along.
It was definitely written, but because Halinas a writer-director, it would constantly evolve, which was fantastic.
DEADLINE: What kind of conversations did that involve?
KIDMAN:Secret conversations!
I mean, really deep, intimate conversations about ourselves, and about just so many different things.
DEADLINE: Why do you think its struck a chord?
Why do you think its resonating with people?
KIDMAN:I dont know.
Im going, Tell me.
Definitely, people talk.
Theywantto talk after theyve seen it.
I think theres just so many different emotions that it triggers, which is great.
DEADLINE: Do strangers become confessional to you?
Yes, they do.
And to Halina, and to Harris, and to Antonio.
So its really fascinating.
DEADLINE: Do you find they overshare?
DEADLINE: Do you think this nomination sends a signal?
Its a particularly good year for women, in terms of strong female characters in strange films.
Theres Demi Moore inThe Substanceand theres you inBabygirl.
What does this moment say to you?
KIDMAN:Hopefully, its the way things should be.
Hopefully, its not a moment.
Hopefully it becomes the norm.
DEADLINE: And so does it embolden you?
KIDMAN:At this stage, yes.
This is how you make films.
DEADLINE: Were you disappointed thatPerfect Coupledidnt make the cut?
KIDMAN:I actually wasnt.
Im so focused onBabygirlright now.Lioness, andPerfect Couplehave been massive, massive hits.
So thats what I think is so gratifying for both those shows.
Susanna Bier, all those actors, theyre all so good.
I just love that theres the ability to create, to keep having new horizons for all these things.
And not everything can make the cut, right?
DEADLINE: So are you working at the moment?
Do you intend to take a break at all?
KIDMAN:Im working with Jamie Lee Curtis onScarpetta.
Have you interviewed her?
Oh, shes fabulous.
So Im keeping it real.
Getting back to it, which is what its all about.
DEADLINE:Babygirlis out in the States on Christmas Day.
What would you say to drive people towards seeing it?
What do you think theyll see in that film that they wont see anywhere else?
KIDMAN:They havent seen a film like it.
If you want a new experience, go.
Take your partner, or sit alone in there.
You willdefinitelyhave a reaction.
DEADLINE: Theres a lot of people saying that certain films are driving people back into cinemas now.
Is that something youve been feeling or noticing?
KIDMAN:Well, I definitely go.
I went and sawWicked.
I went and sawGladiator II.
I went and sawAnora.
I pay my money and go sit in the cinema.
I sawDune 2in London, actually, at the Curzon cinema in Mayfair.
At a 10pm screening!
Oh, that was so good.
DEADLINE: So after theyve seenBabygirl, what else would you recommend they go and see?
