MOVIE NEWS – It’s been 25 years since Kate Hudson last earned an Oscar nomination, but industry insiders say her latest film gives her a real shot once again. Song Sung Blue, based on a true story, is a musical drama about a not-so-promising middle-aged couple who overcome every obstacle to achieve their dreams, and the production itself seems designed to compete for Academy Awards in several categories.

When underdogs fight for success in both their careers and their private lives, all while singing nonstop, it’s often a winning formula—and Song Sung Blue is apparently really well made, with both Kate Hudson and the always brilliant Hugh Jackman delivering standout performances. Added bonus: the protagonists form a Neil Diamond tribute duo—the movie title is even taken from a Diamond song—so the nostalgia factor is strong. It’s also telling that Song Sung Blue is being released at Christmas, which is ideal timing for an Oscar campaign.

The married couple, Mike and Claire Sardina, performed not just Neil Diamond covers but also Blondie and ABBA at various events under the stage name Lightning & Thunder. Their story first gained broader attention with a 2008 documentary, also titled Song Sung Blue. When Universal bought the rights to their love story, the now-widowed Claire said it all felt surreal at first. Later, learning that Kate Hudson would play her, she commented: “I’m not exactly a spring chicken anymore, but I see a lot of similarities between us.”

(Song Sung Blue – US release: December 25, 2025)