Aaron Sorkin’s scripts are best known for their witty dialogue and fast-talking pace. The writer and director has written several Oscar-nominated films such as The Social Network, Moneyball, and Steve Jobs. For some, mastering Sorkin’s dialogue is quite a challenge. For others, “it’s such a gift,” said Being The Ricardos star Nicole Kidman, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Kidman and Javier Bardem star as the Hollywood power couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The film chronicles their politically turbulent relationship during the 1950s.

Kidman also added, “he’s a writer-writer, that’s why he wins so many awards.” Sorkin is allegedly back in the awards conversation this year with his Amazon feature, having received multiple Oscar nominations for last year’s film, The Trial of the Chicago 7, which he wrote and directed. 

For his part, Javier Bardem claimed he read about Arnaz years ago when he learned that the project was in development, “little by little building up the interest and the curiosity and the life, the attraction,” so by the time he was actually offered the role he was ready to work.

Bardem described his experience with Sorkin’s script as “a coin with two sides.” One side is the joy of acting. The other side of the coin is hard work. It’s a demanding task for any actor to fulfill those words with honesty and organicity. However, both actors recognize that their dedication is what truly fueled them to embark on these challenging roles.

Being the Ricardos debuts Friday in theaters and starts streaming on Amazon on December 21.