With their arms wrapped around each other, they posed gracefully for the photographers, capturing a moment of genuine camaraderie. A clip from THR showcased Grande’s playful gesture of a small bow, to which Kidman, who towers over the pop sensation, graciously leaned down to reciprocate, further emphasizing their endearing rapport.

Although the two talented actresses have yet to collaborate on a project, they were initially slated to star together in the 2020 Netflix musical The Prom. Sadly, Ariana Grande had to withdraw from the production due to scheduling conflicts with her ongoing tour, leading to Ariana DeBose stepping into the role. This missed opportunity has left fans hopeful for a future collaboration between these two powerhouse performers.

With Oscar nominations voting set to commence on Wednesday, the Palm Springs festival attracted many prominent figures from Hollywood, all eager to present or accept prestigious honors at the gala. As noted by THR, the audience often includes numerous Academy members, making this event a crucial opportunity to influence the upcoming Academy Awards race.

Ariana Grande attended the Palm Springs event to receive the Rising Star Award, presented by none other than Jennifer Coolidge. Her recognition comes for her remarkable performance in the highly anticipated 2024 film adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked, for which she is considered a leading contender for a supporting actress nomination at the Oscars, showcasing her growing influence in the film industry.

During her acceptance speech for the Rising Star Award, Grande humorously reflected on her career, saying, “I’ve been performing since I was a child, so I never thought at the age of 31 I would be hearing the words ‘Rising Star’ again.” She went on to jokingly express her gratitude to her “good friends Botox and Juvéderm,” playfully noting that she expected to hear terms like “Slightly Withering Star” instead. Grande emphasized that portraying Glinda the Good in Wicked was “the honor of my life,” reminiscing about her beginnings in performance, which started in her grandparents’ living room.

Grande’s speech blended humor with heartfelt sincerity, while Nicole Kidman delivered an emotional address. The Babygirl star received the International Star Award, presented by Jamie Lee Curtis, who held Kidman’s hand throughout her touching speech. Kidman became visibly emotional as she spoke about the recent loss of her mother, underscoring the personal connections that have shaped her career.

In a heartfelt moment, Kidman shared, “My whole career has been for my mom and my dad, and they’re not here anymore. I want to keep working and giving to the world. I’m sorry I’m crying. I didn’t want to do that, but I feel my mama right now. This is for you, Mama.” Her moving words resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the emotional significance of the award and her journey in film.

For a closer look at the delightful interaction between Ariana Grande and Nicole Kidman at the Palm Springs Film Fest, be sure to check out the stunning photographs capturing their memorable moments on the red carpet: