Kate Hudson Earns Oscar Nod for 'Song Sung Blue'

The film inspired by a 2008 documentary about a Neil Diamond cover band is coming to Peacock.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Kate Hudson received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her performance in the movie 'Song Sung Blue', which is inspired by a 2008 documentary about a real-life married couple who performed as a Neil Diamond cover band in Milwaukee in the 1980s and 1990s. The film, also starring Hugh Jackman, will debut exclusively on the Peacock streaming service on February 13.

Why it matters

Hudson's Oscar nomination marks her first in roughly 25 years since her supporting role in 'Almost Famous', showcasing her continued acting prowess. The film's inspiration from a real-life story about a dedicated musical duo also highlights the power of niche passion projects and the enduring appeal of classic songs.

The details

In 'Song Sung Blue', Hudson plays Claire opposite Hugh Jackman's Mike, the real-life married couple who performed as the Neil Diamond cover band Lightning and Thunder in Milwaukee. The film follows their story of dedication to their craft and passion for music, even after Mike's tragic death in 2006. The movie also stars Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, Mustafa Shakir, Fisher Stevens, and Jim Belushi.

  • The 98th Academy Awards nominations were announced in early 2026.
  • Song Sung Blue will debut exclusively on Peacock on February 13, 2026.

The players

Kate Hudson

An American actress who received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her performance in 'Song Sung Blue'.

Hugh Jackman

An Australian actor who stars alongside Kate Hudson in 'Song Sung Blue' as her on-screen husband Mike.

Claire and Mike Sardina

The real-life married couple who performed as the Neil Diamond cover band Lightning and Thunder, whose story inspired the film 'Song Sung Blue'.

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What they’re saying

“Kate Hudson's Oscar nomination for 'Song Sung Blue' marks a triumphant return to the awards stage for the actress, nearly a quarter-century after her breakout role in 'Almost Famous'.”

— Aaron Pruner (CNET)

What’s next

Fans of Kate Hudson and the story behind 'Song Sung Blue' will be able to stream the film exclusively on Peacock starting on February 13, 2026.

The takeaway

The surprise Oscar nomination for 'Song Sung Blue' and Kate Hudson's powerful performance showcase the enduring appeal of classic music and the ability of niche passion projects to capture the hearts of audiences, even decades after the real-life events that inspired them.