Looking Back at Nicole Kidman’s Red Carpet Style Ahead of Her AFI Lifetime Achievement Award

Nicole Kidman’s prolific career in Hollywood is marked by decades of iconic performances — and lots of standout fashion choices. The “Moulin Rouge!” and “Big Little Lies” actress has been in show business since the 1980s, and in 2024, she’ll accept a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute.

Posting clips from her first film, 1983’s “Bush Christmas,” to Instagram on Wednesday, the actress shared her excitement for Saturday’s event. “This 14-year-old girl could have never predicted all the talented people she would get to work with and the many different characters she would get to play,” Kidman wrote. “Can’t wait celebrate with so many friends and peers.”

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In honor of Kidman’s latest award, a look back at her red carpet style evolution.

1995

Nicole Kidman at the premiere of "Batman Forever," Dolce & Gabbana, red carpet
Nicole Kidman at the premiere of “Batman Forever.”

At the premiere of “Batman Forever” in 1995, Kidman donned a rhinestoned Dolce & Gabbana midi dress, which was originally modeled by Karen Mulder as part of the Italian label’s spring 1995 runway presentation.

1997

Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise at the 1997 Oscars, Dior, red carpet, Academy Awards
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise at the 1997 Oscars.

Nicole Kidman’s chartreuse Dior gown made headlines at the 1997 Academy Awards. Designed by the label’s then creative director, John Galliano, Kidman’s floral frock featured chinoiserie along the bodice and a thigh-high slit.

2006

Nicole Kidman at the 2006 Oscars, Balenciaga, red carpet, Academy Awards
Nicole Kidman at the 2006 Oscars.

Kidman’s relationship with Balenciaga dates back to the 2000s, when she wore one of the Spanish label’s designs at the 2006 Academy Awards. Her ivory strapless dress, paired with crystallized Christian Louboutin peep-toe heels and Fred Leighton jewelry, was adorned with intricate botanical embroidery.

2007

Nicole Kidman at the 2007 Oscars, Balenciaga, red carpet, Academy Awards
Nicole Kidman at the 2007 Oscars.

For the second year in a row, Kidman wore Balenciaga at the Academy Awards. In 2007, her scarlet halter gown featured a bow necktie that descended into a floor-length train. The actress accessorized with diamond cuffs and a Bottega Veneta box clutch.

Nicole Kidman’s Best Red Carpet Looks [PHOTOS]

Nicole Kidman (Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Nicole Kidman (Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise (Photo by Kevin Mazur Archive/WireImage)
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise (Photo by Kevin Mazur Archive/WireImage)
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise during ""Eyes Wide Shut"" Los Angeles Premiere at Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California, United States. (Photo by S. Granitz/WireImage)
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise during ""Eyes Wide Shut"" Los Angeles Premiere at Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California, United States. (Photo by S. Granitz/WireImage)

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2012

Nicole Kidman at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards, red carpet, Versace
Nicole Kidman at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards.

Kidman attended the Golden Globes in a studded Versace gown from the Italian label’s spring 2012 collection. The actress coordinated her dress’ gold details with her accessories, adding on bangles, open-toe heels and a metallic Roger Vivier clutch.

2016

Nicole Kidman at the 2016 Met Gala, Alexander McQueen, red carpet
Nicole Kidman at the 2016 Met Gala.

Kidman’s cutout Alexander McQueen gown at the Met Gala came from the late designer’s fall 2016 collection. Her celestial frock was embroidered with phases of the moon and featured a detachable cape. The actress accessorized with a jeweled crown and Fred Leighton bijoux.

2018

Nicole Kidman at the 2018 Oscars, Armani Privé, red carpet
Nicole Kidman at the 2018 Oscars.

Kidman’s cobalt Armani Privé gown at the 2018 Academy Awards is one of her favorite red carpet looks. Embellished with a large bow and featuring a thigh-high slit, the actress added on a vintage diamond-encrusted Omega watch, Harry Winston jewels and Christian Louboutin heels.

2019

Nicole Kidman attends a special screening of "Bombshell" in 2019, Saint Laurent, red carpet
Nicole Kidman attends a special screening of “Bombshell” in 2019.

Kidman suited up in a bedazzled Saint Laurent blazer, skinny pleated trousers and a black tie for a special screening of “Bombshell.” Stella Luna’s Strass chain sandals added additional sparkle to her look.

2023

Nicole Kidman at the 2023 Oscars, Armani Privé, red carpet
Nicole Kidman at the 2023 Oscars.

Kidman’s sequined Armani Privé gown featured large rosette appliques and a thigh-high slit. Ankle strap heels and Harry Winston jewelry topped off her glittering ensemble.

2023

Nicole Kidman attends a screening of "Special Ops: Lioness" in 2023, Saint Laurent, red carpet
Nicole Kidman attends a screening of “Special Ops: Lioness” in 2023.

For a screening of her Paramount+ series “Special Ops: Lioness,” Kidman selected an ab-baring Saint Laurent number complete with a floor-length train. The actress accessorized with sheer opera gloves, diamond studs and peep-toe pumps.

Nicole Kidman, red carpet, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana
Nicole Kidman, red carpet, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana

Launch Gallery: Nicole Kidman's Best Red Carpet Looks [PHOTOS]

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