Kate Hudson, 46, Wows in an Elegant Cutout Gown at Actor Awards Return
Kate Hudson made a stunning return to the Actor Awards on Sunday, March 1, showing up for the first time in eight years. The 46-year-old actress walked the red carpet at the Shrine Auditorium in a cream-colored Valentino gown.
The dress had a dramatic cape and a bold cutout that showed off her midriff. Hudson added 80 carats of custom diamonds from Emily P. Wheeler and finished the look with a dark smoky eye.
This night was a big one for Hudson because she was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for her work in the musical drama Song Sung Blue.
In the movie, she plays Claire Sardina, a hairdresser who forms a Neil Diamond tribute band with her husband, played by Hugh Jackman. This is her fourth individual nomination from the guild and her first since 2010. Her first nod was for Almost Famous back in 2001.
'Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role' nominee Kate Hudson touches down on the 2026 #ActorAwards red carpet.
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) March 2, 2026
See all the arrivals: https://t.co/eh8qmbu7yz pic.twitter.com/VvjZhwRyim
Fans remembered her daring 2017 red carpet look in a sheer Dior gown with a dark purple lip, but this year Hudson went for a softer, more ethereal style that matched the praise she’s gotten for her “career-defining” performance.
While Jessie Buckley ultimately won the lead actress award for Hamnet, Hudson remains a major player in this year’s Oscar race. Besides her success in Song Sung Blue, Hudson has been busy in both film and TV.
She currently stars in Netflix’s sports comedy Running Point, created by Mindy Kaling and Ike Barinholtz. She plays Isla Gordon, a woman who unexpectedly becomes president of a professional basketball team, the Los Angeles Waves, after a family scandal. Netflix confirmed that Running Point will return for a second season on April 23.
The new season will bring back Drew Tarver and Brenda Song, with comedy legend Ray Romano joining the cast. Hudson said the role has been a fun change that lets her show her comedic side while playing a high-powered executive.
Hudson has also been talking about her love for romantic comedies. At the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, she said, “The magic of rom-coms comes from the chemistry of established stars and the commitment to good storytelling.”
She’s developing several projects under her production company that aim to bring back that classic feel. She’s also preparing for the release of the comedy Hello & Paris, inspired by the movies she grew up loving.
Between her acclaimed dramatic role as Claire Sardina and her ongoing work in comedy, Hudson has successfully shifted her career while staying a favorite in Hollywood. Her appearance at the Actor Awards reminded everyone that she’s still one of the industry’s most versatile and beloved leading ladies.
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