Babygirl actress Nicole Kidman was in Venice to receive the Best Actress Award, but fate has some other way around her. She missed the award ceremony due to her mother Janelle Ann Kidman’s death. And she had to cut short her visit to Venice.
Nicole Kidman Wins Best Actress at Venice Film Festival Amid Personal Tragedy
Nicole Kidman. Image Credit: Instagram/nicolekidman
On Saturday night, Nicole Kidman was awarded the prestigious Best Actress prize at the Venice Film Festival for her role in Babygirl. However, the celebrated actress was notably absent from the ceremony, as she had received heartbreaking news just before the event.
As her name was called, Babygirl director Halina Reijn took the stage in Kidman’s place, delivering remarks on behalf of the actress. Reijn revealed that although Kidman had initially traveled to Venice to participate in the festival, she was forced to leave abruptly due to the passing of her mother.
In her written statement, Kidman expressed, “Today, I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after my brave and beautiful mother, Janelle Anne Kidman, had just passed.” The grief-stricken actress shared that she was in shock and needed to be with her family, dedicating the award to her late mother. Kidman added, “This award is for her.“
The heartfelt message continued with Kidman reflecting on the significant role her mother played in her life: “She shaped me, she guided me and she made me. I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina.” She described the emotional weight of the moment as “collision of life and art is heartbreaking,” a sentiment that tells of her deep sorrow, concluding with, “My heart is broken.“
The night was also marked by other notable wins, with Vincent Lindon securing the Best Actor award for The Quiet Son, and Paul Kircher being recognized as Best Young Actor for his performance in And Their Children After Them.
Following the announcement of Kidman’s award, director Brady Corbet, who received the Silver Lion for Best Director, took a moment at the beginning of his acceptance speech to offer his condolences to Kidman, acknowledging the profound loss she had just experienced.
Nicole Kidman About Her Mother Janelle Ann Kidman
Nicole Kidman. Image Credit: Instagram/nicolekidman
In November 2023, Nicole Kidman expressed her deep admiration for her mother, Janelle, revealing how her guidance has been pivotal in shaping both her career and personal sense of style.
During an interview with PEOPLE, Kidman shared that her mother plays an active role in her wardrobe choices, stating that Janelle “is so involved in what I wear.” This statement highlighted the profound impact Janelle has had on her life, especially in the realm of fashion.
Beyond her style, Kidman has previously spoken about how her mother supported her aspirations. In a conversation with the Sydney Morning Herald, the actress emphasized how Janelle’s unwavering encouragement helped her pursue her goals.
“She’s given me the fire to pursue the career I have because I’ve always wanted to please her,” Kidman mentioned during a 2020 interview. This emotional connection between them shows how Janelle’s influence has been central to Kidman’s professional drive. Additionally, Kidman spoke about how her mother led by example, as she “carved her own path” and instilled in her daughters the same sense of independence and determination.
Despite Janelle’s own unfulfilled career ambitions, she was determined to ensure her daughters had every opportunity to succeed. Kidman once noted that her mother didn’t have the career she had hoped for but wanted her children to experience equality in opportunities. “Mum didn’t necessarily get the career that she wanted, but she was determined that her daughters would have opportunities that were equal.” This vision and drive deeply shaped Kidman’s outlook on life. Kidman acknowledged the enormous influence her mother and father had, saying that “they gave me my life.“
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In early 2022, Kidman revealed that her mother was facing health challenges, although she chose not to elaborate on the details. Her focus at that time was primarily on spending meaningful moments with her mother in Australia.
The Oscar-winning actress shared on NPR’s Fresh Air podcast that her family had gathered in Australia to care for Janelle, prioritizing time with her grandchildren. Even amid the spread of the Omicron variant, they managed to visit an art gallery to view a Matisse exhibit, a fitting experience for a woman who had raised Kidman with a deep appreciation for the arts. Kidman described this moment as “soothing balm,” underscoring the healing and nurturing bond between them.
Janelle’s legacy extends beyond Nicole, as she is also survived by her other daughter, Antonia Kidman, along with six grandchildren. Additionally, Nicole’s children with Tom Cruise, Bella Kidman Cruise, and Connor Cruise, remain part of the family’s close-knit circle.
