Nicole Kidman Reveals Her All-Time Favourite Movie Is a 5-Time Oscar-Winning Drama: "Laugh and Cry"

Nicole Kidman's acting career is defined by boldness and diversity – from movies like Eyes Wide Shut to experiments with independent cinema, her taste is refined and profound.

Nicole Kidman Has Nothing but Praise for 'Terms of Endearment' & Its Star Shirley MacLaine

When it comes to her absolute favorite movies, the actress chooses a classic Hollywood drama that has stood the test of time.

Nicole Kidman has repeatedly expressed her admiration for Shirley MacLaine in interviews:

“If you look at Shirley's performances over the years, there's a woman who's given some of the greatest comedic-dramatic – which is the hardest thing to do – performances.”

That is why Terms of Endearment, in which MacLaine played one of her most iconic roles, was one of her favorite films:

“She's made us laugh and cry – especially in one of my favourite films, Terms of Endearment.”

What Is 'Terms of Endearment' About?

This epic family saga spans several decades and tells the story of the complex, loving, and conflicted relationship between a mother and her daughter.

Aurora, a domineering and reserved widow, loves her daughter, Emma, dearly but can only express her love through control. Emma, in turn, strives to escape her mother's control, builds her own imperfect family, and searches for her own understanding of happiness.

Meanwhile, Aurora's relationship with her eccentric neighbor, former astronaut Garrett, unfolds.

'Terms of Endearment', Which Won 5 Oscars, Was a Debut for Its Director James L. Brooks

This mature, masterfully crafted drama marked James L. Brooks's feature-length directorial debut. His work was a triumph – in 1984, the movie received 11 Oscar nominations and won in five key categories.

It's a rare case of a first-time director winning two of the most prestigious awards: Best Picture and Best Director. Brooks later became one of the creators of the iconic The Simpsons, but Terms of Endearment forever cemented his name in the history of big cinema.

Even 43 Years Later, 'Terms of Endearment' Is Still a Brilliant Classic That Will Break Your Heart

Terms of Endearment avoided the fate of dated melodrama thanks to its honesty, refusal to be excessively sentimental, and unrivaled cast.

Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson's performances still amaze with their courage, subtlety, and ability to evoke smiles and tears.

It is a classic in the truest sense – a film that speaks the universal language of human emotion, touching on topics such as the complex nature of maternal love, forgiveness, the fear of loneliness, and the value of every moment spent with loved ones.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Terms of Endearment'?

• Terms of Endearment has 81% from critics and 83% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.4/10.

• On Letterboxd, Terms of Endearment scored 3.8/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Terms of Endearment'?

Terms of Endearment is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video.