Kate Hudson Says Nine Director Rob Marshall Sparked Her Love for Movie Musicals
- Jan 3
- 4 min read
3 January 2026
Kate Hudson, the charismatic Hollywood actress whose career spans romantic comedies, dramas and musicals, recently revealed how a chance collaboration early in her career ignited a lifelong passion for musical cinema, a revelation she shared while accepting a prestigious Icon Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 3, 2026, where she reflected on the moments that shaped her artistic journey and the influence of director Rob Marshall on her creative evolution.
Hudson, 46, known for her dynamic performances and warm screen presence, spoke candidly to the assembled crowd about how working with Marshall on the 2009 musical film Nine gave her “the movie musical bug,” a phrase she used to describe the deep enthusiasm she developed for the genre after that formative experience. Her comments resonated with an audience that included filmmakers, actors and industry veterans, underscoring the often unexpected ways that early collaborations can leave a lasting imprint on an artist’s approach to their craft.
At the festival, Hudson accepted the Icon Award not just as recognition of her performance in Song Sung Blue but as an acknowledgment of her versatility and her willingness to take creative risks, particularly those that push performers out of their comfort zones. In her acceptance speech she turned to Marshall, whose work on musicals such as Chicago and Into the Woods has influenced a generation of actors and directors, and thanked him for opening her eyes to what musical movies could be.
Her role in Nine, where she portrayed Stephanie Necrophorus alongside an ensemble cast under Marshall’s direction, was a demanding one that required intensive rehearsals, dramatic costumes and live musical performance elements that captured Hudson’s imagination and broadened her sense of what film could achieve when music and narrative interweave.
The story behind Nine illustrates why that project had such an impact on Hudson. Originally a stage musical based on Federico Fellini’s film 8½, Nine was adapted into a 2009 film that brought together high-profile performers and ambitious production values to create an experience that blended storytelling with song and spectacle. Though the film received mixed reviews and modest box office returns, its creative ambition and the challenge it posed to its cast made it a memorable and formative moment for those involved, especially Hudson, who would later draw on that experience in her own work.
Hudson’s reflection at the festival was part of a broader celebration of her recent achievements, particularly her acclaimed performance in Song Sung Blue, a musical drama that reunited her with the genre that first captivated her over a decade ago. In that film she stars alongside Hugh Jackman, portraying Claire Sardina in a story about a real-life Midwest musical duo who built careers performing Neil Diamond’s music.
Hudson has spoken enthusiastically about the project, describing how she immersed herself in the story and the music, even gaining weight for the role and embracing aspects of the character’s life that diverged from her previous work. Her evolution from the spirited romantic comedy roles of the early 2000s to richly textured musical performances speaks to an artist constantly seeking new challenges and embracing the emotional depths that musical cinema can offer.
For Hudson, the experience of working on musicals has been both transformative and personally meaningful, connecting her to stories that balance character, song and emotional resonance in ways that few other genres can. At the Palm Springs ceremony she emphasized how those early days making Nine taught her to value the unique demands of musical storytelling, the way music can heighten emotion, bring characters closer to audiences and create moments that linger long after the credits roll. Her tribute to Marshall was heartfelt and sincere, a reminder that mentorship and creative collaboration can have ripple effects throughout an artist’s career.
The broader context of Hudson’s remarks also speaks to a shift in Hollywood in which musical films, once considered niche or risky projects outside of franchises and blockbusters, are finding renewed enthusiasm among audiences and creators alike. In a media landscape dominated by serialized storytelling and franchise tentpoles, the ability of musical films to carve out space for genuine emotional expression and character exploration has become increasingly appreciated, and performers like Hudson, who have embraced these projects, play a key role in bridging the gap between traditional cinema and musical theater.
Audience reactions to Hudson’s speech and to her broader body of work reflect admiration for her versatility and respect for her willingness to dive into complex roles that challenge expectations. Song Sung Blue itself has sparked conversation, drawing attention to its musical roots and to the stories of everyday people whose lives are transformed through music and partnership. Hudson’s career arc from breakout roles in comedy to deep dramatic work and musical performance embodies a journey defined by growth, exploration and a willingness to follow creative instincts wherever they lead.
As the film industry continues to evolve, artists like Kate Hudson remind both audiences and peers that the magic of cinema often resides in its capacity to surprise, to elevate and to connect through performance and song. The gratitude Hudson expressed toward Rob Marshall at Palm Springs was more than a professional nod; it was a testament to the power of creative collaboration and the enduring appeal of the musical form in contemporary filmmaking.
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