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Australia awards Kidman top honor
 Kidman said she was "deeply moved" by the Australian honor. YOUR E-MAIL ALERTSSYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- Australian actress Nicole Kidman has been awarded Australia's highest civilian honor for her services to the performing arts, cancer research and better medical treatment for women and children. Kidman, who won an Oscar and Golden Globe in 2003 for her role as Virginia Woolf in "The Hours," was one of eight people named Thursday as a Companion in the Order of Australia, meaning she can take the letters "AC" after her name. Kidman, 38, was in New York when the awards were announced to mark Australia Day, January 26. A statement released by Kidman's publicist said she was "deeply moved" and it was a privilege to represent Australia whenever and wherever she could. "It is an honor beyond any of my expectations and I thank Australia for giving it to me," Kidman said. The Order of Australia citation for Kidman says the award is for service to the performing arts as an actor; contributions to improve medical treatment for women and children and advocacy for cancer research; support for young performing artists; and humanitarian causes in Australia and internationally. Kidman's father, Anthony Kidman, is a Sydney psychologist noted for his work done with breast cancer patients. Kidman's mother Janelle successfully overcame breast cancer. More than 600 Australians were recognized in this year's honors list. Kidman, who was married to actor Tom Cruise from 1990 to 2001, is now linked with U.S.-based Australian country rock musician Keith Urban. Kidman and Cruise have two adopted children, Isabella and Connor. 
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