Kidman, Blanchett become stamps

Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett have been honoured with their own stamps by the Australian Postal Service.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the actresses will appear on special postage stamps being issued as part of this year's Australia Day celebrations on January 26.

Russell Crowe and Geoffrey Rush will also appear on the stamps, which will depict each actor as themselves and in character.

"These four outstanding Australians have captured the imagination of millions of people in Australia and around the world with their award-winning performances," said the postal service's managing director Graeme John.

Revealing her delight at being chosen, Kidman said: "I have a vested interest in Australia...It would be lovely for [my children] to lick a stamp, put it on an envelope and say 'that’s my mum'."

Blanchett added: "I am utterly, deeply humbled and chuffed by the fact that I’m a stamp… I’m going to be licked by millions of Australians and I can’t wait."

However, the inclusion of New Zealand-born Crowe has reportedly angered his fellow countrymen, despite the Gladiator star becoming an Australian citizen in 2006.