Hollywood is more progressive and feminist than ever, but women still have hurdles to jump over on a daily basis—like ageism. That's why the FX show Feud: Bette and Joan struck such a chord with people; yes, it took place in the 1960s and focused specifically on the careers of two actresses, but its themes (in large part) still ring true today. In fact, they're so apparent that Nicole Kidman, one of the most talented and decorated actresses in the business, thought her career would be over at 50, which she turns on June 20.
During her acceptance speech for Best Film Actress at Glamour U.K.'s Women of the Year Awards on Tuesday (June 6), Kidman opened up about a conversation she had with herself roughly 10 years ago. "When I was about 40, I remember thinking, 'At 50, I'll be retiring.' No way," she said. "So I want to tell all the women out there it is not over at 40. It begins. And it even begins more at 50."
And she's right. We still have a long way to go, but the entertainment industry (specifically, television) is creating more lanes for women over 40—and Kidman is proof of that. From Lion to Big Little Lies, Kidman's past year debunks the grossly inaccurate and offensive idea that actresses have a shelf life. She's just getting started.
Kidman's next role is the stoic headmistress in Sofia Coppola's period drama The Beguiled, which hits theaters next week. In her Glamour U.K. speech, Kidman thanked Coppola (and all of her directors from this year) for giving her such fantastic opportunities on screen. "So many things have happened for me this year, creatively," she said. "I want to thank the directors I've gotten to work with because, as an actor, you're only as good as the directors you work with. But the one I want to give a shout-out to tonight because this is a room full of women, and it's celebrating women, is Sofia Coppola. She won Best Director at the [2017] Cannes Film Festival." If you're curious, Coppola is the first woman in 56 years to take home that prize. That's pretty badass (and a long time coming).
Also badass: Kidman wants to change her name. "I realize [my name has] been wrong. I cannot be Kid-man. I am Kid-woman." (OK, she was probably joking about this, but we're 1,000 percent here for it.)
Watch Kidman's full acceptance speech in the video, below.
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