Kate Hudson, 46, Makes a Glamorous Comeback at Actor Awards in Cutout Gown
Kate Hudson made a radiant return to the Actor Awards on Sunday, March 1, marking her first appearance at the ceremony in eight years. The 46-year-old actress commanded the red carpet at the Shrine Auditorium in an ethereal, cream-colored Valentino gown that featured a dramatic cape and a bold cutout highlighting her midriff.
Hudson, who has been a frequent standout this awards season, complemented the look with an astonishing 80 carats of bespoke diamonds from Emily P. Wheeler and a sultry, dark smoky eye.
The evening was a significant one for Hudson, who 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 film, she portrays Claire Sardina, a hairdresser who forms a Neil Diamond tribute band with her husband, played by Hugh Jackman. This nomination marks her fourth individual nod from the guild and her first since 2010, following her iconic early-career recognition for Almost Famous 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
Reflecting on her past appearances, many fans recalled her daring 2017 look, where she embraced a more “grunge” aesthetic in a sheer Dior gown and a dark purple lip. This year, however, she traded the dark glamour for a softer, more celestial vibe that matched the critical acclaim she has received for her “career-defining” performance.
Although the lead actress trophy ultimately went to Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, Hudson remains a major force in this year’s Oscar race. Beyond her success in Song Sung Blue, Hudson has been enjoying a prolific period in her career across both film and television.
She is currently starring in the Netflix sports comedy series Running Point, created by Mindy Kaling and Ike Barinholtz. In the show, she plays Isla Gordon, a woman who unexpectedly becomes the president of a fictional professional basketball team, the Los Angeles Waves, following a family scandal.
Fans of the series have plenty to look forward to, as Netflix recently confirmed that Running Point will return for its second season on April 23. The upcoming episodes will see the return of cast members Drew Tarver and Brenda Song, while adding comedy legend Ray Romano to the ensemble.
Hudson has described the role as a refreshing change of pace, allowing her to lean into her comedic strengths while portraying a high-powered executive. In addition to her television work, Hudson has been vocal about her desire to revitalize the big-budget romantic comedy genre.
She recently spoke at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival about the “magic” of the genre, arguing that true rom-coms require the chemistry of established movie stars and a commitment to high-quality storytelling. Her passion for the craft is evident in her upcoming slate, which includes the development of several new projects under her own production banner.
As she moves into the rest of the year, Hudson is also preparing for the release of the comedy Hello & Paris, a project she has noted is inspired by the classic films she grew up watching.
Between her critically acclaimed dramatic turn as Claire Sardina and her continued dominance in the comedy space, Hudson has successfully navigated a major career pivot. Her presence at the Actor Awards served as a celebratory reminder of her enduring status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and beloved leading ladies.
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