Kate Hudson illuminated the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Friday night, elegantly dressed in a pink gown adorned with gold accents, as she received the Arlington Artist of the Year award. This recognition highlights her exceptional performance in “Song Sung Blue,” a film inspired by true events where Hudson portrays Claire Sardina from a Neil Diamond tribute band. This role has also granted Hudson her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in 25 years, marking a significant milestone in her career.
The prestigious award was presented by Gwyneth Paltrow, a long-time friend of Hudson, who spoke fervently about the actress’s performance. “Oh my god, this performance, she absolutely took my breath away,” Paltrow proclaimed. She commended Hudson’s portrayal as “raw and real, nuanced and destroyed and redeemed.”
“Song Sung Blue,” directed by Craig Brewer, is based on the documentary about Claire and her husband, played by Hugh Jackman. Interestingly, Brewer encouraged Hudson to avoid meeting Claire in person, allowing her to base her performance solely on the script and the documentary. Hudson expressed that this approach alleviated pressure and ultimately reaffirmed Brewer’s directorial intuition.
The emotional impact of the film resonated deeply with Hudson and her family when they first watched it together. Reflecting on the experience, Hudson noted how it reinvigorated her love for filmmaking, saying, “You sit in theaters when you’re young and… the hope is that you one day get to be in one of those.”
The evening’s event included commentary from Scott Feinberg of The Hollywood Reporter, who emphasized Hudson’s star power and the joy of watching her return to a role befitting her talents. Hudson also reminisced about her career journey, recalling how she nearly missed being cast in “Almost Famous.” Originally slated to play a different character, her persistence and talent ultimately landed her the iconic role of Penny Lane.
Her affection for romantic comedies was evident as she articulated the importance of producing heartfelt films with depth that audiences can cherish repeatedly. “We need to be making [romantic comedies]; they’re such a huge part of cinema history,” Hudson remarked, advocating for the genre to be treated with the same respect as any other great script.
In accepting her award, Hudson expressed gratitude to her family and noted the support from Focus Features for “Song Sung Blue.” She shared her excitement about friends moving to the area, hinting at her own desires to potentially join them.
Above all, Hudson cherished the opportunity to portray a character that demanded immense emotional range, stating, “It was one of the great experiences of my life… honoring a real woman who’s alive and well, Claire Sardina.”
As Hudson continues to shine in her career, her recent achievements reflect both her growth as an actress and her dedication to storytelling, leaving fans and film enthusiasts hopeful for what she will present next in her expansive body of work.