As she strode confidently on to the stage, lapping up the rapturous applause from the cream of Hollywood, a wide, beaming smile lit up Nicole Kidman’s pale face. Clutching her best actress Golden Globe in her palm, the 34-year-old star, looking stunning in her Tom Ford dress, was finally receiving the recognition from her peers that she had craved for so long.

Here she was, one of the hottest, sexiest leading ladies in Hollywood soaking up the sort of standing ovation normally reserved for legendary screen icons.

Her astounding achievement seems all the more remarkable considering the emotional turmoil that has engulfed her over the past year. It may have been a career-making 12 months, which may well culminate in her waltzing off with an Oscar, but success has come at a heavy price.

The split from husband Tom Cruise after ten years of marriage hit her hard yet, with extraordinary fortitude and courage, the irrepressible Australian actress has proved her doubters wrong, rising like a phoenix from the ashes of her marriage, stronger, more in control and clearly more at ease than she has been for some time.

To see more on Nicole’s amazing resilience and achievements, check out this week’s HELLO magazine, on sale now.