Kate Hudson Oscar Nomination 2026: A 25-Year Journey and a Family Celebration

It took a full quarter-century for Kate Hudson to return to the Academy's center stage. The actress, who first captured hearts as Penny Lane, has secured a Best Actress nod for her role in Song Sung Blue. This milestone marks a significant comeback for one of Hollywood's most recognizable faces, proving that talent only deepens with time.

Kate Hudson Oscar nomination 2026 sparked a family emoji frenzy

The news broke in the early hours of January 22, 2026. Hudson was in bed with her 7-year-old daughter, Rani Rose, when the television announced her name. It didn't take long for the rest of her famous clan—including Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell—to arrive at her doorstep for a morning coffee celebration.

Hudson told Entertainment Weekly that their family group chat went "crazy" with numerous emojis. The tight-knit group, which includes her sons Ryder (22) and Bingham (14), as well as siblings like Wyatt Russell and Oliver Hudson, spent the morning reflecting on their shared luck in the film industry.

From Almost Famous to Song Sung Blue

This nomination feels vastly different from her first in 2001. At 20 years old, Hudson was the industry's newest invitee to the party. Now, after two decades of "great success and great failures," she describes this moment as more profound. "You sit in it. You appreciate it. It’s like having your third child, you soak all of it in more," she shared.

In Song Sung Blue, written and directed by Craig Brewer, Hudson stars as Claire Sardina alongside Hugh Jackman. She joins a star-studded category including Emma Stone and Jessie Buckley. According to Hudson, the nominees have already been "giving each other their flowers" via text, showcasing a supportive community among the year's top performers.