Nicole Kidman shared a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, with her fans at the Venice Film Festival this weekend.
On Saturday, Sep. 7, the actress announced her devastating news in a letter, which Babygirl director Halina Reijn read to the audience.
“Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed,” Halina said on Nicole’s behalf. “I am 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.”
“I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the collision of life and art is heart-breaking. And my heart is broken.”
Halina Reijn read the letter during what would have been Nicole Kidman’s acceptance speech. The 57-year-old actress won the Best Actress Award for her role of Romy in Babygirl.
Nicole Kidman Credits Her Mother For Hollywood Career
In 2020, Nicole Kidman gave a heartfelt interview with the Sydney Morning Herald and shared her deep connection and bond with Janelle. In it, Nicole credited her mom for her illustrious career.
“She’s given me the fire to pursue the career I have because I’ve always wanted to please her,” Nicole gushed. “But she also carved her own path and wanted her daughters to have the same opportunity to carve their own paths.”
“Mum didn’t necessarily get the career that she wanted,” she continued. “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.”
Nicole Kidman lost her father, Anthony Kidman, in 2014.
The family has not shared a cause of death. Janelle Kidman was 84.
This story’s featured image is by lev radin via Shutterstock.
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