Tears And Triumph: Jamie Lee Curtis Recalls Heartfelt Meeting With Nicole Kidman

An Unexpected Encounter at the Oscars

Jamie Lee Curtis, the Oscar-winning star of "Everything Everywhere All at Once," recently shared a touching memory that still brings tears to her eyes. During a candid chat with Newsweek's H. Alan Scott at SXSW in Austin, she recalled meeting the iconic Nicole Kidman. It was an encounter that happened during an Academy Awards ceremony, where Curtis was set to present the In Memoriam tribute to the late Betty White. Although Curtis initially mentioned it was at the 2021 Oscars, the tribute actually took place in 2022.

Curtis painted a vivid picture of the setting, reminiscing about the intimate café tables arranged during COVID. "My publicist and friend Heidi was sitting with me," Curtis recounted. "Ten minutes before the show began, my tablemate hadn't arrived yet. Heidi suddenly said, 'Jamie, somebody wants to talk to you.' Curious and slightly confused, Curtis turned to find Nicole Kidman standing right there.

"This is what Nicole Kidman said to me," Curtis began, her voice wavering with emotion. "I see you. I see who you are. I see what you do. I see how you do it. And I really like it, and I want you to continue doing it."

From Producer to Co-star

Curtis was visibly moved by Kidman's words, exclaiming, "Nicole f---ing Kidman! Are you kidding me?" The moment was surreal for Curtis, especially as Kidman was a nominee herself. Reflecting on the encounter, Curtis said, "That was how I met her."

Initially, Curtis had no plans to act in "Scarpetta," a series based on Patricia Cornwell's novels. "I wanna be a producer," she explained at SXSW. "I wanna write checks. I don't wanna put on makeup. I wanna look at dailies and tell people they did great." But Kidman's interest in the series changed everything. "When Nicole Kidman looks at you and says, 'You're in it?' you say, 'Yes, queen!'"

The Dynamic Duo in 'Scarpetta'

In "Scarpetta," now streaming on Prime Video, Kidman stars as medical examiner Kay Scarpetta, and Curtis takes on the role of Kay's sister, Dorothy. Curtis described their characters' complex relationship, shaped by the shared trauma of losing their father to murder. "Dorothy has just taken the opposite path," Curtis explained. "She is going to devour the world, because she already knows that death is coming for her."

The series promises to captivate audiences with its gripping storyline and the dynamic performances of its lead actresses. "Scarpetta" is not just a show, but a testament to the powerful bond formed between Curtis and Kidman, starting from that unforgettable Oscars night.