The Oscar winner made an unexpected appearance at a special Sydney screening of the long-awaited sequel, leading the audience in a “midnight margarita” toast.

Nicole Kidman surprised Sydney audiences on Friday night, making an unannounced appearance at a special screening of Practical Magic 2 ahead of the film’s Australian cinema release.

Kidman, who has returned to Australia, stepped onto the stage to welcome the audience and celebrate the sequel to the 1998 cult favourite, in which she starred alongside Sandra Bullock as witch sisters Gillian and Sally Owens.

The surprise was met with cheers and applause from the Sydney audience, many of whom had grown up with the original film and were attending the screening ahead of the sequel’s release.

Kidman brought the appearance to a suitably Practical Magic-themed conclusion by leading the audience in a “midnight margarita” toast, referencing one of the best-loved sequences from the original film. She raised a glass to the audience before leaving the stage to a standing ovation.

The appearance marked a homecoming of sorts for the Australian star, who reprises the role of Gillian Owens in the sequel nearly three decades after the original film.

Practical Magic, directed by Griffin Dunne and based on Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel, followed sisters Sally and Gillian Owens, descendants of a long line of witches who find themselves dealing with love, loss and a family curse. While the film received a mixed response on its initial release, it subsequently developed a substantial cult following.

Practical Magic 2 reunites Kidman and Bullock as the Owens sisters. The pair also serve as producers on the sequel.

The film arrives almost 28 years after the original opened in cinemas in 1998, with the enduring popularity of the first movie helping make the follow-up one of Warner Bros.’ more anticipated legacy sequels.

Kidman’s Sydney appearance offered Australian fans an unexpected early celebration before the sequel reaches cinemas nationally.

Practical Magic 2 opens in Australian cinemas Sept. 10.