Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson chase a dream in 'Song Sung Blue,' the year's stealth Oscar contender

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Hugh Jackman never thought he’d be a karaoke guy.But then Neil Diamond happened.Starring opposite Kate Hudson in the Christmas Day release “Song Sung Blue,” the 57-year-old Australian actor portrays not the legendary Grammy winner and shaggy-haired sex symbol, but rather a Neil Diamond “interpreter,” the real-life Mike Sardina, who, with his wife and stage partner, Claire (Hudson), found unexpected success with a tribute band in mid-1990s Milwaukee.It was this film that recently brought the “Greatest Showman” star to Diamond’s Colorado ranch, where the two participated in a singing session that convinced Jackman to buy his own karaoke machine.The only guide you need for holiday entertainment.“Normally, I’m like, ‘I don’t want to do that,’” says Jackman, over Zoom from a New York hotel room, as if he’s confessing a mortal sin.

“But I did karaoke with Neil, and I’m like, ‘All right, now I’m in.’”What did they sing? Diamond soloed on “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Misérables,” paying tribute to Jackman’s musical theater bona fides, before the two duetted on Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and, of course, Diamond’s own “Sweet Caroline.” The good times never seemed so good.It was a hang session so epic that Hudson, joining the call, seems green with an envy that matches her sweater.“I can’t believe I missed this karaoke party,” she says.

“I have a whole karaoke setup at my house with a microphone and everything.I feel very left out.”Thankfully, when it came to making “Song Sung Blue,” it didn’t seem so lonely for her.

Based on Greg Kohs’ 2008 documentary of the same name, the film is as much Claire’s tale as it is Mike’s, following the real couple’s love story set to the tune of Diamond’s extensive songbook.At the height of their success, which included playing with Pearl Jam at...