Kate Hudson made it abundantly clear at the 98th Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon that she belongs among Hollywood’s finest. The 46-year-old actress turned heads at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, where this year’s top Oscar contenders gathered for a group photo and a chance to celebrate their nominations together. Hudson’s presence alone was a statement, marking her return to the awards circuit after a very long absence. It was the kind of entrance that reminds people why she became a star in the first place.
The actress arrived in a striking mid-calf red gown that commanded attention from every angle. She elevated the look with long black leather gloves and a matching black belt, blending classic Hollywood elegance with a sharp, modern edge. Her hair was styled in a soft, side-parted wave that felt deliberate and meaningful, as it mirrored the look she wore back in 2001 when she received her very first Oscar nomination for her role in ‘Almost Famous’. The nod to her own history added an emotional layer to what was already a visually memorable moment.
Hudson is nominated this time around for her role as Claire Sardina in the musical biopic ‘Song Sung Blue’, marking her first Academy Award nomination in twenty-five years. In the film, she portrays one half of a real-life Neil Diamond tribute act called Lightning and Thunder, sharing the screen with Hugh Jackman. Early reviews praised the chemistry between the two leads as one of the film’s strongest qualities. It is the kind of role that clearly demanded both musical talent and dramatic depth, and Hudson appears to have delivered on both counts.
While speaking with reporters at the luncheon, Hudson reflected on what this recognition means after decades in the industry. “It’s nice to get a pat on the back after working in the industry for so long,” she said, and her words carried a genuine warmth that resonated with those around her. She was spotted mingling with fellow nominees Emma Stone and Teyana Taylor throughout the event, appearing relaxed and genuinely delighted to be part of the celebration. She also joined the traditional class photo alongside more than 150 nominees, a powerful symbol of her evolution from a young rising talent to a respected Hollywood veteran.
Beyond awards season, Hudson has kept herself busy with a number of high-profile projects. She stars in the Netflix comedy series ‘Running Point’, created by Mindy Kaling, where she plays Isla Gordon, a woman who unexpectedly inherits the responsibility of running her family’s professional basketball team. The show proved popular enough to earn a renewal for a second season, which is expected to arrive in April 2026. It is a role that showcases a different side of Hudson, one that leans into comedy and charisma in equal measure.
Kate Hudson photographed at the 98th Oscar Nominees Luncheon. 📷 pic.twitter.com/vTaFzeLeOe
— Film Crave (@_filmcrave) February 10, 2026
Hudson can also be seen in the horror-comedy ‘Shell’, directed by Max Minghella, where she plays Zoe Shannon, a glamorous wellness mogul with dark secrets lurking beneath her polished surface. The film features a notable ensemble that includes Elisabeth Moss, Kaia Gerber, and Elizabeth Berkley, and has drawn attention for its clever blending of scares and humor. The range Hudson demonstrates across these projects speaks to a career that has refused to be defined by a single genre or moment. She continues to take on work that challenges and surprises both audiences and critics alike.
Her appearance at the nominees luncheon was a reminder that style and substance can coexist effortlessly. The bold red gown, sharp accessories, and carefully chosen hairstyle all added up to a look that felt intentional and powerful. As a two-time Oscar contender spanning two and a half decades, Hudson represents a rare kind of longevity in an industry that often moves on quickly. Her journey from breakout star to enduring presence is as compelling as any role she has ever played.
Kate Hudson at the 98th Oscar Nominees Luncheon. 📷 pic.twitter.com/CmXBZDoi97
— GoldenSeries (@series_golden) February 10, 2026
For readers who may be less familiar with the event itself, the Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon is an annual tradition hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. It takes place roughly a month before the Oscar ceremony and brings together nominees from all categories for a formal lunch and a group photograph. The event serves as both a celebration and an opportunity for the industry’s most celebrated talents to connect before the biggest night in Hollywood. It has been a staple of awards season for decades and is considered one of the more intimate and collegial gatherings in the lead-up to the ceremony.
Share your thoughts on Kate Hudson’s stunning return to the Oscar spotlight and whether you think she deserves the win in the comments.
