Nicole Kidman thanked her late parents at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Friday night as she accepted the International Star Award. It was a moving moment. The well-known actor, who lost her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, in September 2024, had to fight back tears as she addressed the crowd at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
Kidman spoke with a shaking voice, “I went home for Christmas.” “I’ve lost both my parents, and I’m in that place, like, oh, ah, OK, this is different now.” Kidman, who was in “Babygirl,” didn’t attend the Venice Film Festival last year because her mother died. She was able to show her gratitude on this platform, which she hadn’t been able to do months before.
Jamie Lee Curtis gave the award and an emotional speech about love based on Alistair MacLeod’s book No Great Mischief. Curtis, who co-stars with Kidman in the Amazon show Scarpetta, talked about how hard Kidman works and how close they are becoming as friends. She talked about a wonderful afternoon they spent together at Kidman’s house with their husbands.
Nicole Kidman’s special sauce is love, central to her being. Curtis talked about Kidman’s dedication to her art and her work to support other artists and group members. “It’s the center of it all,” he said.
In her acceptance speech, Kidman praised “Babygirl” director Halina Reijn, calling her “an extraordinary filmmaker” who put her “heart and soul” into the A24 tense drama. Kidman talked about how deeply her mother’s death affected her and how she had to miss the opening of her new movie at the Venice Film Festival when she heard the news.
“I’m back here after being on stage. Kidman said, tears in her eyes, “Thank you for allowing me to say this is for my mom.” “My mom and dad, who are no longer with us, have been the focus of my career.” I want to keep giving back to the world and working.”
Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, Kieran Culkin, and Angelina Jolie were among the celebrities honored at the yearly Film Awards gala, which included the award ceremony. Kidman has also been nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in “Babygirl.” The award show is scheduled for January 5.
Following the death of their mother, Kidman and her sister Antonia shared their gratitude for the public’s support on social media, highlighting how much the condolence messages meant to them during their difficult time.