Nicole Kidman fled the Venice Film Festival Oscars ceremony without accepting the best actress trophy for her performance in “Babygirl” after learning of her mother’s death.
Janelle Ann Kidman was 84 years old.
“I arrived in Venice today and shortly after learned that my beautiful and courageous mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has passed away,” Kidman wrote in a statement read by “Babygirl” director Halina Reijn, who accepted the award on her behalf. “I am in shock and must return to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me, and she created me. I am beyond grateful to be able to speak her name to all of you through Halina. The collision of art and life is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken.”
Kidman, 57, has won numerous awards for her portrayal of a married, powerful CEO who becomes embroiled in a torrid affair with a much younger intern that goes awry, jeopardizing her personal life and career. Antonio Banderas plays her doting husband, and Harris Dickinson plays the intern.
Joel C. Ryan/Invision/AP
Director Halina Reijn, on behalf of Nicole Kidman, accepts the Coppa Volpi award for best actress for the film “Babygirl” during the awards ceremony of the 81st Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)
Reijn read the actress’s words to a packed house, concluding: “We all love you, Nicole.”
Kidman’s rep confirmed her mother’s death, telling People: “The family is heartbroken and asks for privacy at this time.”
Janelle Kidman was a nursing professor and member of the Australian feminist group Women’s Electoral Lobby, according to Variety.
The cause of death was not specified, although Kidman had a history of heart problems, according to the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC), which reported that she was hospitalized in Sydney in 2016. Kidman told NPR’s “Fresh Air” in 2022 that she had returned to Australia to care for her mother, ABC reported.
Her father, Tony Kidman, died in 2014.
“Babygirl” hits theaters in December.
