By Kayla DeKraker
Nicole Kidman says attending church helps her feel grounded and prepared for major public events like the Oscars. In an interview with Variety, she explained that, even on busy mornings, she often tries to make time for a church service because it centers her.
“This is crazy, but I will go to church in the morning,” she told Variety. “We’ll be squeezing it in… It just centers me. It’s what I do on a Sunday.” Kidman made these remarks while discussing how ritual and faith help steady her before high-profile appearances, including the Academy Awards on March 15.
In the days leading up to the ceremony, Kidman shared a photo of herself in an elegant dress, and fans responded enthusiastically on social media. Admirers praised her red carpet presence and called her look “stunning” and “simply the best,” reflecting the lasting appeal of her style and poise.
Kidman’s decision to attend church before a major event is not surprising to many who value ritual and routine. Research points to a range of benefits associated with regular participation in religious and spiritual communities. Studies from Harvard and the Pew Research Center have noted links between religious engagement and improved mental well-being, greater life satisfaction, and a clearer sense of purpose for many people.
For example, Pew Research’s report titled “Religion’s Relationship to Happiness, Civic Engagement and Health Around the World” found that people who are active in religious congregations often report higher levels of happiness and civic participation compared with those who are unaffiliated or less involved. The study also highlighted a positive association between active religious participation and self-reported health in the United States, even after accounting for demographic factors such as age and education.
Kidman has spoken about faith and prayer in the past. In 2019 she described how church and prayer are part of how she and her family live and raise their children. “That’s how we are raising our children,” she said, noting that her husband Keith has his own beliefs but attends services with the family. She also reflected on the influence of her upbringing, including the impact of a devout grandmother who instilled prayer as a central part of family life.
When discussing her spiritual life, Kidman emphasized humility and ongoing questioning rather than rigid certainty. “I wouldn’t say it’s absolutism, there’s constant questioning,” she said. “For me, it’s very important that I don’t have judgment.” That outlook underscores how many public figures balance personal faith with openness and reflection, rather than strict dogma.
Kidman is part of a broader trend of well-known personalities who have publicly acknowledged a renewed interest in faith or spiritual matters. Coverage has noted that a range of public figures—from musicians to commentators and podcasters—have spoken about seeking God or exploring belief. Among the more vocal celebrities who have discussed their faith is actor Chris Pratt, who has described using his platform to share his Christian faith and to be “a light” for others, echoing the sentiment of Matthew 5:14 about being a light in the world.
Pratt has said that if his public work could help bring others closer to God, that outcome would be deeply meaningful to him. Other public voices have similarly discussed how spiritual life, prayer, or religious practice provides a sense of purpose and community in the midst of demanding careers.
Observers and fans often take encouragement from seeing celebrities prioritize spiritual practices or community rituals. For many people, regular attendance at religious services offers calm, community support, and a dependable rhythm amid unpredictable schedules—the kind of steadiness Kidman described as helping her face high-pressure moments with confidence and perspective.
We appreciate seeing public figures make room for faith and reflection in their lives. Questions or comments? Please write to our editorial team with your feedback.