Heartbreaking Nicole Kidman detail revealed in acceptance speech after tragedy: 'I am in shock'

Nicole Kidman was meant to attend the Venice Film Festival, but was forced to fly home shortly after landing due the death of her mum.

Nicole Kidman and Babygirl director Halina Reijn accepting her award on her behalf
Nicole Kidman has revealed the devastating loss of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, through a speech delivered by Babygirl director Halina Reijn. Photo: Getty

Nicole Kidman has revealed the devastating loss of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, through a speech delivered by her Babygirl director, Halina Reijn, after the Aussie star won the award for Best Actress at the Venice International Film Festival. The beloved actress revealed she was "in shock" after finding out the news shortly after arriving in Venice for the festival.

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Halina spoke to the audience on Nicole's behalf, reading a note written by the star that read: "Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed. 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."

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The note continued, "I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the collision of life and art is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken."

Nicole Kidman and her mum Janelle Ann Kidman
Nicole with her mum, Janelle Ann Kidman. Photo: Instagram/nicolekidman

Halina added, "We love you all, Nicole."

In 2022, Nicole revealed on NPR's Fresh Air podcast that her mother was in poor health but didn't share further information.

"We’re down here [in Australia] primarily to take care of my mother and to have her surrounded by her grandchildren," she said.

Nicole (pictured with her mother Janelle and niece Lucia Hawley) revealed that her mum gave her 'the fire' to follow her dreams. Photo: Getty
Nicole (pictured with her mother Janelle and niece Lucia Hawley) revealed that her mum gave her 'the fire' to follow her dreams. Photo: Getty

Nicole has previously shared how her mother encouraged her to achieve her dreams as an actress.

"She's given me the fire to pursue the career I have because I've always wanted to please her," Nicole told The Sydney Morning Herald in 2020. "But she also carved her own path and wanted her daughters to have the same opportunity to carve their own paths."

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"Mum didn’t necessarily get the career that she wanted, 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 lost her father, Antony Kidman, a biochemist, clinical psychologist, and author, in 2014 at the age of 75 following a suspected heart attack during a trip to Singapore.

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