Nicole Kidman Arrives at the 78th Emmy Awards in a White Gown That Has Netizens Divided — Photos

Close-up photos offered only a glimpse of the "Babygirl" star's gown. It was the wider shots, however, that revealed the look viewers would soon debate.

Nicole Kidman attended the 78th Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 14, 2026, wearing a fitted white off-the-shoulder gown.

The first images highlighted Kidman's styling rather than the full dress. She wore her blond hair in a loose updo, with long bangs and strands framing her face. Soft pink lipstick, defined eye makeup, and sparkling earrings completed the look.

White feathered detailing surrounded her shoulders, but the tighter framing kept most of the gown out of view.

Kidman gave photographers another view as she turned on the carpet. From behind, the feathered trim could be seen extending across her shoulders above the fitted white fabric.

She completed the look with a bracelet and rings. But the biggest visual reveal came when photographers captured her from head to toe.

The Full Look Revealed Its Intricate Details

Kidman's dress followed a sleek, column-style silhouette, but it did not extend evenly to the floor. An asymmetrical hem exposed her lower legs and pointed-toe heels.

According to People, Kidman, a Chanel ambassador, wore a white wool crepe bustier dress by the fashion house. The gown was embellished with 46 flowers made from layered pieces of silk crepe, silk organza, and raffia, all rendered in subtle shades of white.

The elaborate floral embellishments brought texture to the otherwise streamlined design, while the uneven hem added another distinctive element. Kidman completed the look with Chanel shoes and jewelry, along with a vintage OMEGA watch.

The complete look soon became a talking point online, where reactions ranged from criticism to enthusiastic praise.

The Same White Gown Inspired Two Very Different Reactions

On Facebook, one netizen wrote, "Boy her face lifts have changed her face." A second person shared, "She's been looking very good and healthy since Keith's been on."

Attention then turned to the color of Kidman's outfit. One commenter wrote, "I wonder why her stylist ALWAYS puts her in colours that are so close to her skin tone. This time it works though. 💜"

Someone else praised the gown, saying, "Nicole looks amazing tonight love her beautiful dress."

On Instagram, the reactions remained divided. One commenter gave a blunt verdict: "Worst dress ever 😮."

In contrast, another person called Kidman "Swan Queen 👑✨🤍." A third Instagram user appeared interested in the design itself, asking, "Where is the dress from? 😍"

Another Discussion Shifted Attention Back to Kidman

In a separate discussion online, one commenter focused on Kidman's face, writing, "Glad she's stopped messing with her face. She looks like Nicole Kidman again."

A different person kept the reaction brief, writing, "Hot as always ❤️." Someone else offered similarly strong praise, declaring, "Perfection best look."

By the time Nicole Kidman finished posing on the carpet, photographers had captured the white gown from nearly every angle - giving viewers plenty to examine for themselves.

Kidman Returned to the Emmys After Nine Years

The ceremony marked Kidman's first Emmys appearance in nine years, according to People. She attended alongside the team behind Apple TV's "Margo's Got Money Troubles," which she executive produced.

Kidman celebrated the occasion on Instagram, writing, "I'm so proud to be attending the #Emmys tonight with my #MargosGotMoneyTrouble family ❤️ I'm so proud of our Emmy-winning costume, hair & makeup team, my nominated cast members and to celebrate with everyone as a part of the nominating producing team! @BlossomFilms."

According to the Television Academy, the series received eight nominations and won three Emmys in 2026. Kidman was among its producers nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series, while Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nick Offerman received acting nominations.

The show's three wins came in contemporary costumes, contemporary makeup, and contemporary hairstyling.

Kidman's Previous Emmys Appearance Ended With Two Wins

Before returning in 2026, Kidman had last attended the Emmys in 2017. Images from the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards show her arriving at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on September 17 that year.

For the occasion, Kidman wore a red sleeveless gown with a flowing skirt. Her blond hair was swept back, with strands framing her face.

Keith Urban also attended the ceremony with Kidman. The pair posed together on the red carpet, with Urban dressed in a black suit beside her.

The night became particularly significant for Kidman because of "Big Little Lies." According to the Television Academy, she earned two Emmys for her work on the HBO production.

Kidman won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her performance as Celeste Wright. She also received an Emmy as an executive producer when "Big Little Lies" won Outstanding Limited Series.

The two victories were captured in the press room, where Kidman posed with an Emmy statuette in each hand.

Kidman Joined Mariska Hargitay for a Playful Emmys Exchange

Kidman also became part of the ceremony when Mariska Hargitay turned her monologue into a playful nod to the actress's familiar AMC theater ad.

As seen in the Emmys video, Hargitay initially struck a sentimental note as she reflected on being surrounded by people who had dedicated their lives to storytelling.

"I am truly deeply moved, and so incredibly grateful, to be in a room full of people who have dedicated their lives to telling stories," Hargitay said.

She then shifted into language that deliberately echoed Kidman's AMC monologue. "At the end of the day," Hargitay continued, "we come to TV for magic. To laugh, to cry, to care - because we need that, all of us."

The reference did not go unanswered. Kidman, who was seated near the front, stood up and playfully objected. "Now, Mariska, come on," Kidman said. "That's mine! That's my bit! You can't do that."

Hargitay continued with the routine, prompting another interruption from Kidman. "That's my line! That's actually my line," she said. Hargitay then brought the scripted back-and-forth to its punchline: "Zip it, Movie Lady. It's TV's turn tonight!"

Kidman's Emmys appearance came just two weeks after another striking red-carpet moment in Los Angeles. She joined Sandra Bullock at the Warner Bros. Pictures "Practical Magic 2" premiere at Directors Village on August 31.

Bullock Opened the Fashion Duel With Velvet and a Daring Surprise

Bullock approached the witchy assignment from a deliciously dark direction. Her custom Louis Vuitton gown, designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, featured black velvet, a floor-sweeping skirt, and a sheer plunging cutout that supplied the evening's most daring flash of skin.

An oversized pointed white collar and crisp white cuffs made the dress look stern from a distance, but the neckline quickly corrected that impression. It was gothic drama with a wicked little secret hiding at the center.

Bullock added metallic stud earrings and a subtle French manicure. Her natural pink lipstick kept the makeup understated, while her side-parted brunette hair fell in cascading waves.

Her outfit could easily have dominated the carpet alone. Kidman, however, arrived with a very different interpretation of supernatural glamour.

Black Lace Gave Kidman Her Most Bewitching Premiere Look Yet

Kidman offered an early glimpse of creative director Pieter Mulier's vision for Atelier Versace in a sleeveless black hand-intarsia lace dress. The ornate overlay carried delicate botanical motifs, giving the outfit just enough enchanted-forest energy without making her look as though she had arrived clutching a cauldron.

A neutral bodice and miniskirt beneath the lace created the illusion of bare skin, while the asymmetric hem prevented all that intricate workmanship from feeling too prim.

Stylist Jason Bolden completed Kidman's look with floral lace Manolo Blahnik heels and rings and earrings from Parure Atelier. Her blonde hair fell in loose, voluminous waves with a soft side part and face-framing layers.

The beauty choices remained softer than the fashion. Defined lashes, warm eyeshadow, rosy cheeks, and a satin pink lip delivered luminous glamour without competing with the lace.

Together, the women looked wildly different but perfectly coordinated. Bullock served gothic matriarch with a mischievous streak, while Kidman appeared to have wandered out of an enchanted garden wearing couture.