Fans are celebrating Kate Hudson’s Oscar nomination in the most fitting way possible: by singing along.
In the days following the release of the extended “Sweet Caroline” performance from Song Sung Blue (2025), the comments section beneath the video has turned into a joyful chorus of praise, nostalgia, and emotion.
Viewers from around the world applauded Hudson’s performance as Claire “Thunder” Sardina, saying her energy, warmth, and clear love for the music made the moment unforgettable. Many admitted they couldn’t help but sing along, echoing the universal magic of the Neil Diamond classic.
The scene, which features Hudson and co-star Hugh Jackman performing as the real-life Neil Diamond tribute duo Lightning & Thunder, has become one of the film’s most talked-about moments. Fans praised not only the singing, but Hudson’s acting, noting how completely she embodies her character. “She clearly enjoyed every minute of it,” one viewer wrote, while others called her performance “outstanding,” “pure joy,” and “Oscar-worthy.”
That praise took on new meaning this week when Hudson officially earned a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her role in Song Sung Blue. The nomination marks her second Academy Award nod, arriving 25 years after her first for Almost Famous and fans say it feels long overdue.
Many commenters expressed deep personal connections to the film. Longtime Neil Diamond fans described the movie as inspirational, emotional, and deeply relatable. Several viewers said they laughed, cried, and left the theater smiling, with the songs still playing in their heads days later. One fan summed it up simply: “This movie is full of magic.”
Written and directed by Craig Brewer, Song Sung Blue tells the true story of Mike and Claire Sardina, portrayed by Jackman and Hudson, whose love story unfolds through music as they perform Neil Diamond songs across small venues. The film has been widely praised for its warmth, chemistry between the leads, and emotional honesty, with many calling it a rare “feel-good tragedy.”
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Hudson herself celebrated the Oscar news quietly and meaningfully. She revealed to Entertainment Weekly that she learned about the nomination in the early morning hours with her 7-year-old daughter, Rani Rose, by her side. Shortly after, her famous family—including Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell—came over for coffee to mark the occasion. Hudson described the morning as one filled with gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for the year’s films and the people who made them.
The nomination sparked excitement not just in her home, but also in the family group chat. “Oh my God,” Hudson laughed. “There were so many emojis.”
Hudson joins a competitive Best Actress lineup that includes Jessie Buckley (Hamnet), Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You), Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value), and Emma Stone (Bugonia). She shared that the nominees have already been sending each other messages of support, calling it a celebratory and loving moment for everyone involved.
Looking back on her career, Hudson noted that this nomination feels very different from her first. After more than two decades in the industry—through successes, setbacks, and constant work—she says she now truly sits in the moment and appreciates it fully.
That gratitude is evident not only in interviews, but on screen. As fans continue to replay the Sweet Caroline performance, one thing is clear: Hudson’s joy is contagious. Whether or not she takes home the statue on March 15, 2026, audiences agree—Song Sung Blue has already struck.