Kate Hudson delivered a heartfelt tribute to producer John Davis during his hand and footprint ceremony at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre this Thursday. The event celebrated Davis, who produced Hudson’s Oscar-nominated film Song Sung Blue, in which she stars alongside Hugh Jackman as a married couple forming a Neil Diamond cover band in 1990s Milwaukee.
Event Highlights and Hudson’s Speech
The 46-year-old actress, nominated for Best Actress in 2026, used a pair of eyeglasses to read her speech. She began by saying, ‘Such an honor to be here today to celebrate someone who’s not only left an incredible mark on the industry, but who I personally adore so much.’
Hudson continued, ‘John, standing here at the TCL Chinese Theater for your hand and foot ceremony feels absolutely right. Because if there’s anyone whose fingerprints are all over this generation of filmmaking, it’s you.’ She praised his optimism, kindness, and dedication, adding near the end, ‘Your hands have built the stories that will live for generations and your footprints are permanently embedded in Hollywood history. And today, we get to make it official.’
Hudson previously collaborated with Davis on the 2011 rom-com A Little Bit of Heaven. His other credits include Dr. Dolittle 2, Dr. Dolittle 3, I, Robot, First Daughter, and the recent Flight Risk starring Mark Wahlberg.
Stylish Appearance
For the occasion, Hudson wore a chic one-shoulder olive green dress that fell to her ankles with a subtly flared hemline. She styled her blonde hair in a center-parted ponytail with voluminous waves, accessorized with bulbous gold earrings, and completed the look with pointed-toe brown heels.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Introduction
Gwyneth Paltrow presented the honor, describing Hudson as ‘like a little sister to me.’ The 53-year-old actress shared, ‘I am here because Kate Hudson and I are real, true, old friends. I’m much older than she is, but I remember seeing her when she was little. We grew up in the same orbit, but it wasn’t really until the early 2000s that we became what we are now.’
Paltrow noted their friendship has endured ‘the full spectrum,’ including breakups and family intertwinings. She called Hudson ‘an amazing artist, an entrepreneur, obviously an incredible singer and a mother.’
Film Background and Family Reactions
Hudson’s appearance follows her recent Arlington Artist of the Year Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for Song Sung Blue. Last year, Mike Sardina’s son from a previous marriage expressed anger over the film, calling the leads ‘monsters’ for omitting any mention of him in the movie or promotions. However, Claire Sardina voiced approval, with Hudson describing her as ‘so happy’ with the project.
