Kate Hudson Honored by Gwyneth Paltrow at Santa Barbara Film Festival
kate hudson accepted the Arlington Artist of the Year award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, recognized for her leading role in Song Sung Blue and celebrated on stage by longtime friend Gwyneth Paltrow.
Kate Hudson's Award and Oscar Nod
Hudson was singled out for her portrayal of Claire Sardina, a member of a Neil Diamond tribute band in Song Sung Blue, a film adapted by director Craig Brewer from a documentary about the real Sardinas. The role earned Hudson an Academy Award nomination for best actress — her first nomination in 25 years — and the festival honored her with the Arlington Artist of the Year prize.
Paltrow’s red-carpet look and remarks
Gwyneth Paltrow presented the award and used her stage time to praise Hudson’s work. “Oh my god, this performance, she absolutely took my breath away, ” Paltrow said, adding that Hudson is “like a little sister to me. ” Paltrow attended the event in a pale-pink Prada ensemble that Page Six said recalled her 1999 Ralph Lauren Oscars gown; she layered a sheer spaghetti-strap tank over a bandeau crop and wore Christian Louboutin pumps. She also wore nearly $40, 000 worth of Hearts on Fire diamonds, including long drop earrings listed at $24, 000 and two rings at $8, 400 and $6, 400.
On preparing for the role and reactions at the screening
Hudson described working with Brewer, who advised her not to meet the woman she was portraying before filming so she would base the performance on the script and documentary. When she watched Song Sung Blue for the first time, Hudson said she and her parents, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, cried. The film’s cast includes Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina, the husband of the real-life subject.
At the festival conversation moderated by Scott Feinberg, Hudson reflected on her career — from Almost Famous to her romantic-comedy work and her current projects — and accepted the Arlington award while wearing a pale-pink and gold beaded Louis Vuitton dress that commentators noted on the red carpet.
Kate Hudson also spoke about her friendship with Paltrow, telling People Magazine that “we lived in England at the same time, and she was a huge support system for me and my son, ” and adding, “She’s always been there for me, like the most loyal, beautiful friend. And I look up to her. ” Hudson later posted a message of thanks to Paltrow on Instagram after the ceremony.
Coverage of the event closed by looking ahead to the next big stage: the pieces noted the anticipation of seeing Hudson and Paltrow together on the Oscars 2026 red carpet.
The festival appearance and award are the latest in the run-up to awards season for Song Sung Blue; Hudson’s next confirmed public milestone is the Academy Awards campaign tied to her recent nomination and related appearances ahead of Oscars 2026.
