It is a massive morning for Kate Hudson! The star has officially secured an Oscar nomination for her performance as Claire Stengl in the heartfelt drama Song Sung Blue. This marks Hudson’s first return to the Academy Awards short list since her iconic turn as Penny Lane in Almost Famous over two decades ago.

In Song Sung Blue, Hudson stars alongside Hugh Jackman as they bring the true story of Claire and Mike Sardina to life. The film follows the couple as they form a Neil Diamond tribute band while navigating a series of shocking real-life hurdles. Hudson shared that she felt an immense responsibility to do right by the real Claire Stengl, calling the project a total love letter to the couple’s relationship and noting that she felt “insanely emotional” when she first read the script.

While the film has faced some pushback from Mike Sardina’s son, Michael Sardina Jr., Hudson is keeping her focus on Claire’s positive reaction. She noted that Claire is “so happy” with the portrayal and that the emotional impact the film is having on audiences is what matters most to her. For Hudson, the connection she built with the real Claire and the opportunity to tell this unique love story has been a career highlight that goes far beyond the awards buzz.