Tom Cruise pays tribute to ex-wife Nicole Kidman in rare interview ahead of BFI honour

Tom Cruise has made rare and heartfelt comments about his ex-wife Nicole Kidman, as well as several legendary co-stars, in a new interview with Sight and Sound magazine ahead of receiving the British Film Institute’s prestigious BFI Fellowship.

In the May edition of the magazine, Cruise opened up about his work with Nicole Kidman on Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut, revealing that he personally suggested her for the role of Alice. “Because obviously she’s a great actress,” he said, recalling the extensive preparation and in-depth conversations he had with Kubrick during filming.

The Hollywood icon also paid tribute to the late Val Kilmer, who passed away in April, reflecting on their shared legacy from Top Gun. “You just see what a great actor, charismatic guy he was... he became Iceman,” Cruise said, adding that Kilmer’s return in Top Gun: Maverick was “very special” for both the film and audiences.

Cruise praised Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable performance in A Few Good Men, describing him as “a crooner that knows how to carve up a monologue.” He admired Nicholson’s mastery of performance, from vocal delivery to camera awareness, particularly in the film’s iconic courtroom scene.

He also reflected on Marlon Brando’s legendary presence in The Godfather, referencing the famous scene where Brando improvised with a cat. “It’s not just by chance. You work towards lightning in a bottle,” said Cruise, highlighting Brando’s intentional brilliance.

The interview comes as Cruise prepares to be honored with the BFI Fellowship on Monday, preceded by a special In Conversation event on Sunday. He is also set to attend the world premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning at the Cannes Film Festival on May 14.