Nicole Kidman, one of Hollywood's most celebrated actresses, was forced to abruptly leave the Venice Film Festival after learning of the sudden death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman. The news came just as Kidman was poised to receive the Best Actress award for her role in Babygirl, a film directed by Halina Reijn.
Kidman had arrived in Venice to attend the prestigious festival, but her time there was tragically cut short when she received the heartbreaking news of her mother's passing. In her absence, Reijn accepted the award on Kidman's behalf, delivering a poignant message from the actress to the audience.
"I'm in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her," Reijn read from Kidman's statement. "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." The emotional tribute highlighted the deep bond between Kidman and her mother, who had been a significant influence on her life and career.
The Venice Film Festival, known for its glamorous red carpets and celebration of cinematic achievements, was a bittersweet occasion for Kidman. While she had earned acclaim for her performance in Babygirl, the joy of her success was overshadowed by the profound loss of her mother. Reijn, visibly moved, expressed her support for Kidman, telling the audience, "We love you all, Nicole."
Kidman's connection to her mother was not only personal but also professional. In previous interviews, she had spoken candidly about the impact her mother had on her career. In a 2020 interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Kidman shared, "She's given me the fire to pursue the career I have because I've always wanted to please her. But she also carved her own path and wanted her daughters to have the same opportunity to carve their own paths."
Janelle Ann Kidman was a guiding force in her daughter's life, nurturing her artistic inclinations and supporting her ambitions. Kidman often credited her mother with instilling in her a sense of independence and determination. "Mum didn't necessarily get the career that she wanted, but she was determined that her daughters would have opportunities that were equal. That's given me my life. And she gave me my life, she and my dad," Kidman said in the same interview.
The tragic timing of Janelle Kidman's death, coinciding with what should have been a moment of triumph for her daughter, added a layer of poignancy to the event. The Big Little Lies actress, who has often spoken about the importance of family, had previously disclosed that her mother's health had been in decline. In early 2022, during an interview on NPR's Fresh Air podcast, Kidman shared, "We're down here [in Australia] primarily to take care of my mother and to have her surrounded by her grandchildren."
Kidman's departure from Venice has left a palpable void at the festival, where her presence was highly anticipated. Her award for Best Actress in Babygirl is a testament to her enduring talent and dedication to her craft, even in the face of personal tragedy. The film, which explores complex emotional landscapes, is now imbued with an additional layer of meaning, given the real-life grief Kidman is experiencing.
