Kate Hudson Reflects on Feeling Outshined by Naomi Watts in ‘Le Divorce’
Kate Hudson Reflects on Acting Lessons Learned from Naomi Watts
In a recent episode of Variety and CNN’s “Actors on Actors” series, actress Kate Hudson shared insights from her early career, particularly her experience working alongside Naomi Watts in the 2003 film Le Divorce. At 46, Hudson recalled a pivotal moment when she realized the depth of Watts’ dedication to her craft.
“I’ll never forget looking at Naomi Watts’ script,” Hudson said in her conversation with actor Jeremy Allen White, aired on December 14. “I saw her notes and was like, ‘Well, I’m really underperforming.’” Hudson noted that Watts, now 57, had meticulously annotated her script, demonstrating a strong commitment to her role.
“You have to get that highlighter out. Figure out, ‘Who is this person to me?’” Hudson explained, contrasting Watts’ focused preparation with her own more carefree approach to their time in Paris on location. “Naomi was so committed to her craft. I was like, ‘Let’s get wine and smoke cigarettes and party on location in Paris.’ She’d sit at home and know her lines.”
In Le Divorce, Hudson plays Isabel, who travels to Paris to visit her pregnant sister Roxeanne, portrayed by Watts. The film explores the complexities of their relationships, including infidelity and personal struggles.
Hudson credited Watts for teaching her not to shy away from taking risks in her acting choices. “What I learned from Naomi is that it’s OK to take risks in your choices,” she remarked, adding that another friend had a similar enlightening experience working with Cate Blanchett.
While Hudson acknowledges the influence of Watts on her career, she has also continued to evolve as an actress. “It changes for every job. When I was younger, I was incredibly spontaneous,” she said. “I work well with people throwing s*** at me. I also love comedy. That side of me likes to have fresh ideas all the time and not be too rehearsed, but as I started working with different actors I learned from and admire, you steal stuff.”
Hudson aims to infuse her personal energy and optimism into her roles. “I think in life, I choose to tackle it with energy and optimism every day. I try to bring that to set, maybe it has to do with how I grew up,” she said. “I really like being in the circus. I’m not an actor that goes into a hole in my trailer. Even if I’m having a tough day, you become razor sharp in moments where you have to feel or channel something.”
In addition to her approach to acting, Hudson also uses music to connect with her characters. "Certain songs evoke certain emotions for me. I can cry all the time, but when I can’t get there, there are songs,” she mentioned. Bruce Springsteen’s "My Father’s House" is among those tracks that help her tap into the necessary emotions for particular scenes.
Hudson’s latest role in Song Sung Blue, in which she stars alongside Hugh Jackman, centers on a Neil Diamond cover band and explores themes of passion and unfulfilled dreams. The film is set to premiere in theaters on December 25.
