Kate Hudson Shares Heartwarming Acclaim from Real-Life Biopic Subject
Kate Hudson has opened up about the glowing praise she received from Claire Sardina, the real-life woman she portrays in her new biographical film Song Sung Blue. The actress, 46, stars alongside Hugh Jackman, 57, as married couple Mike and Claire Sardina, who famously launched a Neil Diamond tribute band in Milwaukee during the 1990s.
Navigating Family Criticism and Oscar Recognition
Last month, the project faced significant controversy when Mike Sardina Junior, the son from Mike Senior's previous marriage, exclusively told the Daily Mail he was furious about the movie. He denounced Hudson and Jackman as 'monsters' for allegedly omitting any mention of him in the film or its promotional materials.
However, Hudson has now received substantial validation from other quarters. This Thursday brought the exciting news that she has been nominated for Best Actress at the upcoming Academy Awards, marking her first Oscar nod in a quarter of a century.
Claire Sardina's Warm Reaction Revealed
In a new interview with Deadline, Hudson revealed that one of the most meaningful responses came from Claire Sardina herself. 'Claire is so happy and my relationship with Claire and telling her story and this love story – it’s such a love letter to them,' said Hudson, the daughter of actress Goldie Hawn.
She elaborated further, stating: 'And I am just so grateful that Claire was and is pleased and I just can’t wait to talk to her. People’s reaction to the movie, the way it’s moved people, that’s what I think about.' Hudson added that she felt 'insanely emotional' about the film's poignant storyline.
Diplomatic Responses and Award Season Dynamics
Following Mike Junior's fierce criticism last month, Hudson issued a carefully diplomatic response, entirely deflecting the subject. 'Honestly, I don’t even know — out of respect for our filmmakers, I'm not the right person to speak to it,' she told the Hollywood Reporter.
Meanwhile, co-star Hugh Jackman, who did not receive Oscar recognition for his portrayal of Mike Senior, has not publicly addressed the family's remarks at all. Hudson's nomination stands as the sole Oscar acknowledgment for Song Sung Blue, with the film being overlooked in other categories including Jackman's performance and director Craig Brewer's work.
Historic Nomination and Stiff Competition
This nomination represents Hudson's first Academy Award recognition since 2001, when she was in contention for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Cameron Crowe's rock 'n' roll film Almost Famous. She ultimately lost that year to Marcia Gay Harden's portrayal of artist Lee Krasner in the biopic Pollock.
This year, Hudson faces formidable competition in a strong Best Actress category. Her rivals include:
- Jessie Buckley as William Shakespeare's wife in Chloe Zhao's biopic Hamnet
- Rose Byrne in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
- Emma Stone in Bugonia
- Renate Reinsve in Sentimental Value
Mixed Reactions and Social Media Debate
While Hudson's fans have celebrated her latest accolade, the nomination has also sparked debate on social media. Some critics have questioned whether her performance merits Oscar recognition, with particular outrage directed at the perceived snub of Cynthia Erivo.
Erivo was overlooked for her role as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in Wicked: For Good. That film experienced notable snubs across all categories, failing to secure nominations even for Ariana Grande's widely praised supporting performance as Galinda.
Earlier this month, Hudson was also in contention for the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical, but lost out to Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.
The real-life Mike and Claire Sardina achieved recognition through their cover band Lightning and Thunder, which dissolved in 2008 following Mike's death. Hudson and Jackman were photographed posing with Claire Sardina at the New York premiere afterparty last month, highlighting the ongoing connection between the actress and her real-life counterpart.
