Nicole Kidman recently visited the Venice Film Festival, where she premiered her new sensual film Babygirl. However, the actress had to leave early after learning that her adored mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had passed away.
Kidman, who plays Romy, a corporate executive, earned the best actress award during the ceremony for her performance in the movie. According to Variety, Nicole Kidman won Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for her portrayal in Babygirl on Saturday, September 7th.
During the award ceremony, after Kidman’s name was called as the winner, the film’s director, Halina Reijn, took the stage and gave a statement on her behalf, confirming her mother’s death.
According to the publication, Reijn read Kidman’s statement on her behalf, which stated that the actress had landed in Venice only to discover shortly thereafter about the death of her “brave and beautiful” mother, Janelle Anne Kidman.
The director stated, “I’m in shock, and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me, and she made me.”
Kidman’s added, “I am beyond grateful that I get to say her [mother] name to all of you through Halina. The collision of life and art is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken.”
Nicole Kidman previously spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald about her relationship with her late mother. Kidman stated that she gave her the motivation and “fire” to pursue her job because she always wanted to make her proud. She also stated that her mother had paved the way for her and that she wished for her girls to do the same.
Meanwhile, her film, Babygirl, will be released in theaters on December 25, 2024.
