Nicole Kidman Says Mom Was 'Excited' to See “Babygirl” and “The Perfect Couple” but 'Didn’t Get to' Before Her Death

"Her essence has been pretty much the driving force through my whole life," Kidman adds

Nicole Kidman wishes her late mother could have seen her latest work.

In a candid conversation with Vanity Fair, Kidman, 57, touched on the impact the death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had on her when the latter died suddenly in September 2024 — including what the late matriarch has missed in the time since.

"She was my compass in a way," Kidman shared. "It’s like losing that, but at the same time going, Okay, well, this is for her then. So much of what she wanted for my sister and I was to create women in this world who felt like they could express themselves and have opportunities, especially things she didn’t have from her generation."

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The star further highlighted that her late mother "loved my career, she really did."

"She would be there through all the ups and downs, all of it," Kidman added. "Her essence has been pretty much the driving force through my whole life. I wish she could have seen this part of it. She was very excited to see Babygirl, and she was excited to see Perfect Couple too, but she didn’t get to see either of those."

In Babygirl, Kidman stars as Romy, a CEO who puts her life and career on the line when she begins a torrid love affair with a much younger intern (Harris Dickinson).

For The Perfect Couple, Kidman stars are Greer Garrison Winbury, a famous novelist and the mother of a groom (Billy Howle) whose wedding is disrupted by a murder, leaving everyone in attendance a suspect.

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News of Kidman's mother's death was first shared by Babygirl's director Halina Reijn, 48, at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday, Sept. 7, during the project's premiere.

A rep for Kidman also confirmed Janelle's death to PEOPLE, adding that "the family is heartbroken and asks for privacy at this time."

In the wake of her mother's death, Kidman shared a special message on social media. “My sister and I along with our family want to thank you for the outpouring of love and kindness we have felt this week,” she began in a statement via Instagram on Thursday, Sept. 12.

“Every message we have received from those who loved and admired our Mother has meant more to us than we will ever be able to express. Thank you from our whole family for respecting our privacy as we take care of each other ❤️,” she concluded at the time.