Kate Hudson Talks 'Famous'

ByABC News
March 5, 2001, 11:44 AM

March 5 -- If Kate Hudson comes home with a trophy on Oscar night, she'll have an extra spot in the history books.

Hudson's nominated as Best Supporting Actress for her role as a rock 'n' roll groupie in Almost Famous and if she wins, she and her mom Goldie Hawn would be the first mother-daughter team to share in Academy Award glory. A young Hawn won for 1969's Cactus Flower.

Hudson's first major role is clearly a critical success. She made her way to the podium with her win at the Golden Globes.

Given her ease on screen, one might think she had been groomed for the trade. Hudson told GMA.MOVIES.com that was hardly the case.

It wasnt like, You must act, Kate, Hudson says. No matter what any of us did, she and our father were completely supportive and wanted us to do what we wanted to do, as long as we were dedicated to it, and we had a strong work ethic. Thats really important to our family.

For the Oscar, she's nominated alongside her Famous co-star Frances McDormand, Pollock's Marcia Gay Harden, Billy Elliot's dance teacher Julie Walters and veteran Judi Dench in Chocolat.

Nominated For her Dream Job

Set in 1973, Cameron Crowe's film Almost Famous chronicles the coming-of-age of 15-year-old music lover William Miller (Patrick Fugit), who lands a Rolling Stone magazine assignment to cover the up-and-coming band Stillwater, fronted by Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup).

Hudson, who lived less than a year of her life in the 1970s, delved deep into the smiley-face decade for her role as Penny Lane, who goes on the road following the rising new band. While it's hard to imagine another actress in the role, it's actually not what Hudson was originally up for.

I didnt know what I was reading for, she says. I just went in knowing that Cameron Crowe was doing a film. I said, Cameron, I will be your slave, please let me be in your movie. I would have done anything. I would have been an extra I would have taken just one line. Im just such a huge fan.