Nicole Kidman’s acceptance speech at the National Board of Review Awards took an unexpected turn when she raised a glass of milk in tribute to her steamy role in the controversial film Babygirl.
The crowd, packed with Hollywood elites like Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Elle Fanning, erupted in applause as Kidman, 57, sipped from the glass, adding a playful nod to the iconic milk-drinking scene from the movie.
At the close of her speech, Kidman raised the glass high, smiling at the audience and saying, “I’m going to raise a glass of milk to all the baby girls in the room,” before downing it in one go. The gesture, brimming with playful energy, perfectly matched her portrayal of Romy, the CEO in Babygirl, a character that has sparked much debate for its bold, sexual undertones.
“It’s the good girls who get the last laugh,” Kidman quipped, clearly enjoying the moment, as the room cheered.
The Scene that Stole the Spotlight
In Babygirl, Kidman plays Romy, a powerful New York executive embroiled in an affair with a younger intern, played by Harris Dickinson. In one of the film’s most talked-about scenes, Romy is handed a glass of milk by Samuel, her much younger lover, who orders her to drink it. The tension intensifies when Samuel whispers, “Good girl,” creating an uncomfortable yet alluring power dynamic.
Director Halina Reijn, 49, recently opened up about the inspiration behind this unforgettable moment. Reijn shared with IndieWire that the scene was based on a personal experience. After wrapping an acting job in Belgium, she went to a bar where a younger, well-known actor surprised her by ordering her a glass of milk.
“I thought it was bold and daring,” Reijn admitted. “It was one of the most arousing moments of my life. The feeling of control and submission was electric.”
Though Reijn noted the experience made her feel a bit nauseated due to the cow milk, she emphasized how the interaction left an indelible impression on her.
A Playful Exchange with the Audience
The night at the National Board of Review was not just about accolades for Kidman’s powerful performance. It was also an opportunity to share her take on the film’s complex themes. In an interview with Variety, Kidman discussed the blurred lines between power and vulnerability in Babygirl, a film where traditional roles of dominance and submission shift throughout.
“Both, right?” Kidman laughed when asked about the dynamics between her character and Dickinson’s. “One minute I’m the daddy, the next minute he is, which is part of the brilliance of how Halina tells the story. Power isn’t defined by age—it’s fluid.”
The Australian actress is clearly at ease embracing the film’s provocative nature, a theme she’s become known for in her later career.
In an era where Hollywood often sidesteps gritty subjects, Babygirl embraces them head-on, making waves not just for its storyline, but for the real-life inspiration that brings depth to its more risqué moments.
As the evening wore on and guests mingled, it was clear: Nicole Kidman had once again captured the attention of Hollywood. Whether it’s her bold milk toast or her complex performances, she remains a force to be reckoned with—especially for the “baby girls” of the world.
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