Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson were honored with the inaugural Gotham Musical Tribute at the 2025 Gotham Awards in New York City, marking a significant moment for the upcoming film Song Sung Blue. During the event, Jackman’s playful mention of Ryan Reynolds delighted the audience and added excitement to their recognition, bringing focus to their performances and the spirit of the ceremony, which honors achievements in independent cinema—solidifying the importance of the Hugh Jackman Gotham Awards honor.
Jackman and Hudson Celebrate Gotham Tribute with a Playful Twist
On December 1 at Cipriani Wall Street, the Gotham Film & Media Institute presented Hugh Jackman, 57, and Kate Hudson, 46, with the first-ever Gotham Musical Tribute. The award recognized their roles in Song Sung Blue, a movie which spotlights the work of musicians from Milwaukee and celebrates the timeless music of Neil Diamond. Hudson and Jackman stepped onto the stage to the lively sounds of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” with Hudson enthusiastically joining in. She began her acceptance speech by recalling her collaborations with both Jackman and director Craig Brewer in crafting heartfelt duets for the film. Turning to Jackman, she enthused,
“Harmonizing and performing with Hugh, which has been one of the great joys of my career.”
—Kate Hudson, Actress.
Hudson continued to share her deep connection to music, saying,
“Music has always been the great narrator of my life. I don’t know where I’d be without it.”
—Kate Hudson, Actress. Her gratitude for the recognition was clear as she highlighted the special role music and the collaborative process have played in shaping her career.
Hugh Jackman Takes a Friendly Jab at Ryan Reynolds
Taking the spotlight after Hudson, Hugh Jackman brought laughter to the room with a light-hearted remark.
“Thank you so much. This is so cool and something to make Ryan Reynolds insanely jealous,”
—Hugh Jackman, Actor. The joke, referencing his ongoing mock rivalry with Ryan Reynolds, drew cheers and kept the celebratory tone alive. Jackman also expressed appreciation for the film’s authenticity and emotional impact, stating that Song Sung Blue focuses on
“real people, real lives, real struggles, real love.”
—Hugh Jackman, Actor.
Jackman reserved special praise for his costar, offering a prediction about critical acclaim,
“Kate Hudson is not only one of the great stars of our business, she is a consummate actor,”
—Hugh Jackman, Actor. He expressed his confidence in Hudson’s Oscar prospects for her work in Song Sung Blue.
Song Sung Blue and the Gotham Awards: A Night of Standouts
Song Sung Blue, directed and written by Craig Brewer, features not only Hudson and Jackman but also a celebrated cast including Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, Fisher Stevens, and Jim Belushi. The story explores the lives of a real-life Milwaukee musical duo devoted to Neil Diamond’s legacy, with the film set to premiere in theaters on Christmas Day. The anticipation is high, as the movie made its initial debut at the AFI Film Festival earlier in the year and rapidly generated Oscar buzz, particularly for Hudson’s leading performance.
The ceremony was also punctuated by comments from Jeffrey Sharp, executive director of the Gotham Film & Media Institute.
“Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman deliver performances in Song Sung Blue that are at once powerful, intimate, and deeply human,”
—Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director, Gotham Film & Media Institute. He continued,
“Their connection on screen, and the soulful way they bring this true story to life, channel the timeless music of Neil Diamond while revealing their own artistry and spirit. It’s a film that reminds us how music can uplift and inspire — and we’re thrilled to celebrate their extraordinary artistry with our new Gotham Musical Tribute at this year’s Gotham Film Awards.”
—Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director, Gotham Film & Media Institute.
Accolades and Oscar Hopes in a Celebratory Year
Kate Hudson responded to the attention her performance has received, telling People in November,
“Honestly, it’s really just exciting. It’s very exciting and that’s it,”
—Kate Hudson, Actress. She further reflected on the unpredictability of awards season, adding,
“You never know with these things. I’ve been around now long enough to know just to enjoy that people are really loving the movie. And just, you know, show up to where they tell me to go!”
—Kate Hudson, Actress.
This year’s Gotham Awards underscored a broader celebration of independent storytelling. Since 2021, the awards have recognized performances in gender-neutral categories, and continue to spotlight diverse talents and productions. The film One Battle Another led all nominees with six, competing alongside titles such as Bugonia, East of Wall, Familiar Touch, Hamnet, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Lurker, Sorry, Baby, The Testament of Ann Lee, and Train Dreams for Best Feature. Other special tributes during the evening included honors for Noah Baumbach (Jay Kelly), Tessa Thompson (Spotlight Tribute for Hedda), Frankenstein (Gotham Vanguard Tribute), the cast of Sinners (Ensemble Tribute), and Luca Guadagnino and Julia Roberts (Visionary Tribute for After the Hunt).
Sharp concluded with a look at the 2025 honorees:
“This year’s nominees celebrate an extraordinary year of cinematic achievement — one defined by bold, original storytelling, festival breakouts and filmmakers whose independent vision extends across studios and streamers,”
—Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director, Gotham Film & Media Institute.
“This year’s Gotham nominees, and our Gotham Tributes, reflect the year’s most accomplished filmmakers and performers and embody the community that has defined The Gothams for 35 years.”
—Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director, Gotham Film & Media Institute.
Gotham Awards Set the Stage for Oscar Season and Future Success
The Gotham Awards remain a major event on the independent film calendar, drawing attention to outstanding storytelling and performances each year in New York City. The 2025 edition, through its new musical tribute, brought additional excitement by honoring stars like Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, reinforcing the impact of music-driven stories and the connection between artists and audiences. With Song Sung Blue scheduled to debut in theaters on December 25, both Jackman and Hudson are poised not only to draw large audiences but also to potentially contend for further honors as the awards season advances. Their moments on stage, paired with Jackman’s signature humor and praise for his co-stars, highlight the camaraderie and excellence celebrated by the Gotham Awards.
