Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman stars in Australian singer Troye Sivan's new music video for his single She's the Best, set in a drag queen bar.
The track serves as the lead preview for Sivan's upcoming fourth studio album, which is scheduled for official release on October 9.
Directed by Grammy-nominated director Gordon von Steiner, the visual project captures Kidman in the atmospheric setting of a nightlife drag queen venue. Kidman commands the screen through subtle expressions and glances rather than dramatic gestures, projecting sophistication and charm throughout the visual performance.
The admiration between the two Australian artists extends beyond the screen. Following the project's announcement, Kidman praised Sivan on social media, writing that he is perfect, while Sivan described the actress as the best.
Background and screen career
Kidman, an Academy Award-winning actress known for her extensive film career, has frequently taken on varied creative projects across cinema and contemporary pop culture. Outside of her screen roles, she has previously spoken candidly about her personal life, including wearing a wig to go out dancing undetected at parties in Ibiza, as well as reflecting openly on her past divorces from actor Tom Cruise and musician Keith Urban.
Lyrical themes and female empowerment
In the verses of She's the Best, Sivan pays tribute to an intrepid, emancipated female figure who lives freely without conforming to social expectations or seeking outside approval. The lyrics describe a woman sharing a home where her roommate is her best friend, with whom she occasionally shares a boyfriend, while maintaining a vision board for her future and focusing solely on moving forward.
The track depicts its subject as humorous, attractive, and capable of fighting, noting that she unwinds by putting down incels on the internet. The lyrics further declare that she has always known there is something special inside her, characterizing her as a figure who embraces her own independence.
Challenging age stereotypes
At 59 years old, Kidman's role in the video dismantles traditional expectations regarding age, desire, and aesthetics in contemporary pop visuals. Rather than casting a younger performer to represent youth culture, the production showcases Kidman's presence as a demonstration of confidence, self-assurance, and personal aura.
The visual representation aligns with a form of feminism that celebrates self-directed women who inhabit their own authority without seeking permission. By combining classic diva distinction with a bold visual style, Kidman reinforces her long-standing standing in popular culture as an icon of creative freedom.
