Quick Read
- Kate Hudson received her first Oscar nomination in 25 years for ‘Song Sung Blue’.
- She was honored with the Arlington Artist of the Year Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
- Gwyneth Paltrow presented the Arlington Award, calling Hudson ‘kind of like a little sister’.
- Hudson discussed her Oscar nomination and celebrations on TODAY on February 18, 2026.
- Her latest achievements mark a significant shift from her previous romantic comedy roles.
NEW YORK (Azat TV) – Actress Kate Hudson is experiencing a significant career resurgence, marked by her first Academy Award nomination in 25 years for her role as Claire in the film “Song Sung Blue.” This notable recognition, coupled with her recent receipt of the Arlington Artist of the Year Award at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival, underscores a pivotal moment in her artistic journey, signaling a deliberate shift from her established rom-com persona.
Hudson, 46, discussed her Oscar nomination and how she celebrated with her family during an interview on TODAY on February 18, 2026. “It’s all been wild,” she stated, reflecting on the whirlwind of attention surrounding her performance. The nomination for “Song Sung Blue” comes a quarter-century after her breakthrough Golden Globe win and first Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actress in 2001 for “Almost Famous.”
Kate Hudson’s Oscar Nod for ‘Song Sung Blue’
The nomination for “Song Sung Blue” represents a dramatic departure from the romantic comedies that largely defined Hudson’s career in the 2000s, including hits like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” She openly acknowledged her desire for more challenging roles, and “Song Sung Blue” appears to be the vehicle for that transformation. The film and her performance have been widely praised, validating her bold move away from her signature genre.
This current Oscar recognition places Hudson back in the awards spotlight after an extended period, highlighting her dedication to evolving as an actress. Focus Features, the studio behind “Song Sung Blue,” received special thanks from Hudson for their support in her dramatic transformation, indicating the collaborative effort behind this career shift.
Arlington Artist of the Year Award Honors Kate Hudson
Adding to her recent accolades, Hudson was honored with the Arlington Artist of the Year Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Friday, February 14. The prestigious award, presented by her longtime friend and fellow Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow, celebrates artistic excellence and cultural impact. Paltrow, 53, described Hudson as “kind of like a little sister” to her, emphasizing their decades-long bond.
In her acceptance speech, Hudson shared her lifelong passion for movies, stating, “I’ve loved movies my entire life.” This award, following Timothée Chalamet’s inaugural win last year, recognizes Hudson’s willingness to reinvent herself and pursue complex material, proving that her gamble on dramatic roles has paid off spectacularly.
Gwyneth Paltrow on Kate Hudson’s Enduring Friendship
The bond between Kate Hudson and Gwyneth Paltrow was a prominent theme throughout the Santa Barbara Film Festival events. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Hudson gushed about Paltrow, recalling her initial “fangirling” over the actress and how their friendship developed over the years. Hudson revealed that Paltrow is affectionately known as “Auntie Gwyneth” to her three children.
Paltrow reciprocated the sentiment, sharing anecdotes about their parents’ friendship and seeing Hudson as a child. Both actresses appeared in stunning pink designer outfits at the Arlington Theatre, creating a memorable visual moment that underscored their enduring camaraderie and mutual support within Hollywood. Paltrow’s emotional tribute highlighted the significance of Hudson’s career progression to her peers.
Kate Hudson’s Evolving Style and Career Path
Beyond her acting achievements, Kate Hudson’s evolving public image has also drawn attention. Fresh off her Academy Award nomination, Hudson was recently observed in Paris, abandoning her signature bohemian aesthetic for a sleek, minimalist black maxi dress. This fashion pivot, noted by Who What Wear, reflects a broader embrace of understated elegance, mirroring her artistic transformation.
The shift from her vibrant, free-flowing styles to a more decidedly French, ‘less is more’ philosophy suggests a deliberate alignment of her public persona with her current artistic direction. This period of renewed critical acclaim and intentional career choices positions Kate Hudson in a new and exciting phase, validating her artistic courage and dramatic range within the film industry.
The combination of a long-awaited Oscar nomination and a significant artist award signals not just a personal triumph for Kate Hudson, but also a broader industry recognition of actors willing to challenge established career paths and embrace artistic reinvention.