Actress Nicole Kidman learned some difficult news at the Venice Film Festival this week. As she was being honored with the Best Actress award for her latest film “Babygirl,” Kidman received word that her mother Janelle had passed away at the age of 84. Though grieving the loss of her mother, Kidman accepted the award in her honor.
Kidman had traveled to Venice to promote “Babygirl,” an erotic thriller where she plays a powerful CEO. But upon arriving in Italy, she found out about her mother’s death and had to leave the festival immediately to be with her family. In a statement read at the ceremony, Kidman said “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 went on to describe her mother as “beautiful” and “brave.”
Janelle Kidman helped raise Nicole and her sister in Australia. In past interviews, Kidman spoke fondly of how her mother encouraged her career and pushed for equal opportunities for her daughters. Even after pursuing her own acting career, Kidman said she wanted to make her mother proud. The loss comes almost a decade after Kidman’s father Antony passed away in 2014.
Kidman starred as Romy, a powerful CEO, in “Babygirl.” The film premiered at Venice to critical acclaim. Her performance has earned widespread praise and ultimately the Best Actress prize. Though saddened by her mother’s death, Kidman seemed to find solace in accepting an award for a role that Janelle could take pride in. A representative said Kidman and her family are requesting privacy during this difficult bereavement period.
