Why Nicole Kidman often starts her day at 3am: She explained the magic of those twilight hours

Nicole Kidman may be best known for her acclaimed performances on screen, but it turns out her most vulnerable creative moments often take place when no one is watching, in the middle of the night, as she recently explained about the unexpected reason she often wakes up at 3 am.

The fan-favorite actress, 57, opened up about her nocturnal writing habit during a moderated discussion at the 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival on Sunday, May 18, just before receiving the 10th Women in Motion Award presented by Kering.

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“I do it at 3 a.m.—writing sessions,” the actress revealed during the Women in Motion Talk, moderated by Variety’s Angelique Jackson. “I wake up and I’ll write something, be it a dream or something circulating in my head and my life and my heart at that time.”

She explained the magic of those twilight hours: “I think 2 and 3 a.m. is a very, very ripe time for things to happen, because you’re in that slightly removed state from reality, but your dreams and your psyche are very present.”

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Despite her regular late-night journaling, the Hollywood star insisted she has no plans, yet, to co-write a project. “I always say no and turn around and change my mind,” she added. 

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Nicole has previously shared her thoughts about her creative process in the entertainment industry, being a passionate advocate for the arts, and revealing that she likes to work with new directors and create new opportunities for many in the business.

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For the conversation, the 'Babygirl' star leaned into casual chic, wearing low-rise black jeans paired with a fitted black leather jacket. The actress later changed into a glamorous look to accept her award, stepping out in a striking red lace custom Balenciaga gown.

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The actress joined a star-studded list of past Women in Motion Award recipients, including Viola Davis, Michelle Yeoh, Jane Fonda, Salma Hayek Pinault, and Geena Davis. The initiative, created by Kering, honors women who’ve made impactful contributions to cinema and supports gender equity across the film industry.