Kate Hudson is heading into the 2026 Academy Awards with wisdom she first received from her stepfather, Kurt Russell, more than two decades ago. During a candid conversation on The Howard Stern Show, Hudson recalled how Russell helped her manage expectations when she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Almost Famous in 2001.
“He just kept saying, ‘Don’t listen to everybody. You never know what’s going to happen,’” Hudson shared. “Sometimes you might win and you don’t, and sometimes you don’t think you’re going to win, and you might win.”
Grounded by Family Support
At the time, Hudson was only 21 and riding high after winning the Golden Globe for her role as Penny Lane. Many believed she was the frontrunner, but Russell’s advice grounded her. Ultimately, Marcia Gay Harden took home the Oscar for Pollock.
Raised by her mother Goldie Hawn and Russell, Hudson said the lesson stuck with her: “You can’t have the expectation. It was a good first lesson.”
Preparing for 2026 Academy Awards
Now, 25 years later, Hudson has earned her second Oscar nomination—this time for Best Actress in Song Sung Blue, a biographical musical drama. She faces stiff competition from Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone.
Despite the pressure, Hudson insists she will approach the ceremony with the same mindset Russell instilled in her years ago. “I’m not a fan of the rehearsed speech,” she explained. “I like when it feels spontaneous and authentic—or nervous and real. I have so many things to say about my family that I’m nervous to even prepare any of it. I think it just needs to come out the way it’s supposed to.”
A Career of Versatility
The 46-year-old actress has built a career defined by versatility, from romantic comedies like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days to dramatic turns in films such as Running Point. Her latest nomination marks a new chapter, one she plans to embrace with gratitude rather than expectation.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Academy Awards will take place on March 15, and Hudson’s reflections serve as a reminder that sometimes the best preparation for Hollywood’s biggest night is simply letting go.
