Nicole Kidman shows off her toned abs in a new Vogue Australia shoot
«At 59, I feel more comfortable in my own body»
Nicole Kidman stars in the November issue of Vogue Australia, gracing not just one but four different covers of the magazine. It marks her twelfth cover appearance for the publication.
In the new photoshoot, captured by photographer Lachlan Bailey, Kidman shows off her impressively toned abs. In the accompanying interview, she opens up about her nearly 45 years in the film industry, motherhood, self-acceptance, working with designers and returning to Chanel as a global ambassador — among other topics.
The questions came from more than just journalists. Kidman’s colleagues and friends also joined the conversation, including Baz Luhrmann, Liane Moriarty and Zoë Saldaña.
At 59, Nicole Kidman is becoming increasingly comfortable with who she is. She admits that even now, there are days when feeling confident does not come easily. That sense of inner comfort did not happen overnight — it took years, experience and a willingness to understand herself better.
«I just feel more comfortable in my own body now. It’s strange to realise that at 59, but I’m glad I’ve finally got there», the actress said.
Zoë Saldaña asked Kidman how she manages to balance a demanding career with raising her children. In response, the actress explained that she does not believe there is a perfect formula for balancing work and family. What matters most to her is that her daughters always know their mother will be there when it truly counts.
«As I always tell my daughters, if something really important comes up, everything else takes a back seat. Nothing is more important than you», Nicole emphasised.
Director Baz Luhrmann asked Kidman about the challenges she faced at the beginning of her career. The actress recalled that she had always been tall, even as a child, and that this often made her feel self-conscious.
«I was the tallest in my class — even taller than all the boys», she recalled.
Her height was one of the reasons she eventually gave up her dream of becoming a ballerina. Later, she encountered similar comments at acting auditions, where she was told she was too tall compared with the male actors playing the leading roles.
Over time, however, Kidman learned to see this physical trait differently. What had once seemed like an obstacle became part of what made her unique. She stopped viewing her appearance as a limitation and learned to turn it into an advantage.
Writer Liane Moriarty invited Kidman to imagine that she could return to any moment in her childhood. Nicole almost immediately thought of family holidays in Australia — time spent on the coast at Avoca and trips to the mountainous Barrington Tops region.
«I would go back to those Christmas holidays, to that January when I didn’t have to worry about anything», she said.
After decades in the film industry, Kidman is still drawn to the opportunity to transform herself through a role and become part of something bigger.
«I like being recreated. I like being part of a whole. I don’t like being isolated, on my own», the Oscar-winning actress said.
She describes a similar feeling when it comes to working with designers. For Kidman, clothing is more than just a beautiful look — it is a way to better understand the person behind a creation and bring their creative vision to life.
«When you put on an outfit — say, by Tom Ford or Haider Ackermann — you ask yourself: What is the designer feeling? Who are they? And what are we as a union? I’m telling the designer’s story, but at the same time, I feel a deep, inner connection with them», the actress shared.
Kidman also spoke about returning to Chanel as a global ambassador. Her relationship with the French fashion house began many years ago, when she walked the runway alongside Karl Lagerfeld.
«It’s amazing how everything in life is connected. I remember walking the runway with Karl Lagerfeld 20 years ago. Matthieu was fascinated by how effortless it all looked, and he never forgot that moment. My history with Karl is one of the reasons Matthieu wanted me to come back», she said.
Photo: Vogue
