The biggest dramatic movie ever based on NASCAR, the American sports action drama film Days of Thunder was a financial success when it was released in 1990. While the movie helped establish Nicole Kidman’s Hollywood career, her journey as a style icon unfolded over the years, culminating in standout red carpet moments like her appearance at the 2016 UNICEF Ball.
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman share a scene as Cole Trickle and Dr. Claire Lewicki in Days of Thunder (Credit: Paramount Pictures)
Starring Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, Cary Elwes, Caroline Williams, and Michael Rooker, Kidman and Cruise started dating after meeting on the set. They married on December 24, 1990, and divorced in 2001.
Director Tony Scott and producer Don Simpson on the set of Days of Thunder (1990) (Credit: Paramount Pictures)
Principal photography took place in early 1990 when Nicole Kidman was 22 years old, and her co-star Tom Cruise was 27. The movie was filmed in and around Charlotte and Daytona Beach.
Director Tony Scott, Don Simpson, Robert Towne, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Tom Cruise on the set of Days of Thunder (1990) (Credit: Paramount Pictures)
Nicole Kidman recalled being amazed at landing a role in a major Tom Cruise movie shortly after arriving in America.
“I just remember being amazed that I was in America, and suddenly I had this role in this huge Tom Cruise movie,” Kidman said about starring in Days of Thunder during a 2014 Role Recall interview.
“I went and worked in a hospital for a couple of days,” she added about her role as neurosurgeon Dr. Claire Lewicki, who falls in love with Tom Cruise’s character Cole Trickle. “I’m a researcher. I’m a geek.”
Nicole Kidman as Dr. Claire Lewicki shares an intense moment with Tom Cruise’s character, Cole Trickle, in Days of Thunder (Credit: Paramount Pictures)
After Days of Thunder, Kidman and Cruise starred together in the 1992 American epic Western romantic adventure drama film Far and Away and Stanley Kubrick’s 1999 erotic mystery psychological drama film Eyes Wide Shut.
Actor Tom Cruise with his wife Nicole Kidman at the Los Angeles premiere of their film ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ on July 13, 1999 (Credit: WENN / Charlie Steffens / FayesVision)
Nicole Kidman’s breakout role in Days of Thunder was just the beginning of her remarkable rise in Hollywood. Decades later, she continues to captivate audiences—not just with her acting but also with her striking red carpet appearances. One such moment was at the 2016 UNICEF Ball, where she stunned in a glittering Louis Vuitton gown, showcasing her timeless elegance.
Nicole Kidman’s Evolution into a Red Carpet Icon: From Days of Thunder to the UNICEF Ball
Nicole Kidman pairs her vintage necklace with delicate dangling earrings at the Sixth Biennial UNICEF Ball Honoring David Beckham and C. L. Max Nikias presented by Louis Vuitton at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on January 12, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: WENN / Charlie Steffens / FayesVision)
The then-48-year-old actress surprised in a plunging and heavily embellished Louis Vuitton gown that featured a thigh-high slit.
Nicole Kidman stuns with her elegant side-swept hairstyle and subtle makeup featuring a soft blush and nude lips (Credit: WENN / Charlie Steffens / FayesVision)
For good measure, Nicole styled the sequined number with a pair of custom-made glittering strappy sandals from the same French fashion house.
Nicole Kidman dazzles in a plunging sequined Louis Vuitton gown, accessorized with a statement vintage necklace at the UNICEF Ball (Credit: WENN / Charlie Steffens / FayesVision)
She finished her ensemble with a statement vintage necklace that drew even more attention to her cleavage.
Nicole Kidman wears a Louis Vuitton dress and Louis Vuitton heels on the carpet of the UNICEF Ball (Credit: WENN / Charlie Steffens / FayesVision)
Nicole was joined by Jennifer Connelly, Paul Bettany, Camilla Belle, Michelle Rodriguez, Angie Harmon, and Alyssa Milano.
Nicole Kidman’s feet in strappy Louis Vuitton heels (Credit: WENN / Charlie Steffens / FayesVision)
Since its debut six years ago, the UNICEF gala has raised over $7 million for UNICEF by bringing together more than 700 philanthropists, celebrities, and community leaders.
Nicole Kidman showcases her elegant pedicure in glittering strappy sandals (Credit: WENN / Charlie Steffens / FayesVision)
Do you think Nicole was appropriately dressed for the occasion?