Nicole Kidman, a global icon and renowned actress, left the audience intrigued at the 2025 National Board of Review Gala in New York City. This event, which gathers some of the most celebrated actors, filmmakers, and industry leaders, became the stage for an unusual yet symbolic gesture from the Oscar-winning actress. Kidman, who was honored with the Best Actress award for her role in the film Babygirl, surprised the crowd by downing a full glass of milk during her acceptance speech, a tribute that immediately became the talk of the night.
The 2025 National Board of Review Gala, held at the opulent Cipriani 42nd Street in New York, witnessed a gathering of Hollywood’s brightest stars, but it was Kidman’s eccentric yet thoughtful gesture that stole the spotlight. While many wondered about the significance behind her milk-drinking act, loyal fans of Kidman and those familiar with her latest film, Babygirl, immediately recognized the symbolic gesture and its connection to her role in the film.
In Babygirl, Kidman plays the character Romy, a married and powerful company executive who finds herself entangled in a romantic affair with her young intern, Samuel, portrayed by Harris Dickinson. The film, released on Christmas Day 2024, quickly made waves due to its daring storyline and the palpable chemistry between the lead characters. The romance, which highlights an age-gap relationship, explores themes of power, seduction, and vulnerability, all of which are cleverly represented in a now-viral scene involving a glass of milk.
The Iconic Scene That Sparked the Gesture
Kidman’s decision to incorporate milk into her acceptance speech stems directly from a pivotal moment in Babygirl. In the film, Romy and Samuel share a charged encounter at a bar where Samuel orders a glass of milk for his boss. Romy, without hesitation, drinks the milk in front of him, signaling the start of their passionate affair. The scene, which initially appeared to be a small detail, has since gained viral attention for its subtle yet powerful portrayal of the shifting power dynamics between the characters.
In the context of the film, milk becomes a metaphor for both innocence and control. While traditionally associated with purity and nurturing, the milk in this scene takes on a different meaning. Romy’s act of drinking the milk, especially in the presence of her much younger intern, signifies her dominance and control over the situation, all while subtly challenging societal norms regarding age, relationships, and power structures.
Kidman’s performance in the scene has been lauded for its nuance and depth, with many critics praising her ability to convey complex emotions without the need for overt dialogue. The glass of milk becomes a symbol of Romy’s layered personality—confident, assertive, and unapologetic.
A Tribute to Her Character
During her speech at the gala, Kidman used this symbolic act as a nod to the role that earned her the prestigious Best Actress award. Dressed elegantly in a black gown adorned with white details, she accepted the award from her co-star, Liev Schreiber, with grace. Then, before the audience had a chance to settle in, Kidman raised a glass of milk to the crowd and drank it all in one swift motion. The act, while puzzling to some, quickly became the focal point of discussions both in the room and online.
For those who had seen Babygirl, it was immediately clear that this was Kidman’s way of honoring the character she portrayed—Romy—and the film that had brought her so much critical acclaim. The move was also a testament to Kidman’s dedication to her craft, as she managed to effortlessly bring a touch of the film’s atmosphere to real life, blurring the lines between fiction and reality in a way that only she could.
After the speech, Kidman took the time to explain the significance of the milk, sharing insights into how it played a symbolic role throughout the film. As reported by Daily Mail, Kidman revealed that the use of milk in Babygirl was more than just a visual motif; it represented the underlying power struggles and emotional complexities between her character and Samuel.
According to Kidman, the decision to use milk as a recurring element in the film came from the film’s director, who wanted to emphasize the contrast between Romy’s outward strength and the vulnerability she experiences in her personal life. Kidman further disclosed that she had consumed over 15 glasses of milk while filming the iconic bar scene, a testament to her commitment to bringing the director’s vision to life.
A Bold Narrative and Breaking Boundaries
Babygirl has been hailed for its daring storyline, which pushes boundaries and challenges conventional narratives around romance, power, and age. The film’s exploration of an age-gap relationship, with Kidman’s character being significantly older than her love interest, has sparked discussions about representation and storytelling in Hollywood.
Kidman herself has spoken about what drew her to the role, citing the boldness of the script and the uniqueness of the characters. In an interview, she expressed excitement about the project and praised the film for its ability to push boundaries. “It’s exciting and pushes boundaries,” Kidman said, adding that she was particularly drawn to the film’s portrayal of a relationship that defied traditional stereotypes.
The actress also acknowledged the importance of working with a female director, explaining that it made navigating the film’s more intense scenes easier and more comfortable. According to Kidman, the collaboration allowed for a nuanced portrayal of the characters’ relationship, one that focused not only on their physical chemistry but also on the emotional and psychological layers of their connection.
A Symbol of Power and Vulnerability
Kidman’s performance in Babygirl has been widely praised, with critics noting her ability to balance the strength and vulnerability of her character. Romy, as portrayed by Kidman, is a woman who wields significant power in her professional life, but her relationship with Samuel reveals a more vulnerable side to her. The symbolic use of milk throughout the film highlights these dualities, serving as a visual representation of the power dynamics that exist between the two characters.
As Kidman’s acceptance speech drew to a close, the actress left the audience with much to ponder, not only about her role in Babygirl but also about the symbolic power of small gestures. Her tribute to the now-iconic milk scene was a reminder of how film can create moments that resonate far beyond the screen, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and sparking conversations that extend into real life.
