Nicole Kidman Misses Venice Best Actress Win After Mother’s Death: Shocked

Nicole Kidman was honored at this year’s Venice Film Festival with the distinguished Volpi Cup for best actress, but due to a personal tragedy, she was unable to accept the award in person.

The acclaimed actress, known for her role in “Big Little Lies,” received the award for her performance in the film “Babygirl.” During the ceremony, director Halina Reijn revealed that Kidman could not attend after the passing of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, who was 84 years old.

Kidman learned of her mother’s death shortly after arriving in Venice for the festival. In a heartfelt statement read by Reijn, she expressed her shock and sorrow, saying, “I’m in shock and I have to go to my family.” She added, “But this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me, and she made me.”

With deep grief, she shared, “My heart is broken.” Reijn, taking a moment to honor Kidman, extended her condolences and conveyed the love from those present at the ceremony, stating, “We love you all, Nicole.”

Both of Kidman’s parents hailed from Australia. Her father, a psychologist, passed away in 2014. In a 2022 interview with NPR’s “Fresh Air,” Kidman spoke affectionately about her mother, revealing she had returned to Australia to care for her during a challenging time. At that moment, she cherished the unique perspective her mother offered, describing it as viewing the world through the eyes of an 81-year-old woman.

“That is so beneficial right now because she’s so cognizant,” Kidman noted, emphasizing her mother’s mental clarity, intelligence, and directness. Kidman also mentioned that her mother, who worked as a nurse educator, identified as a feminist and engaged her in discussions about women’s issues throughout her upbringing, sometimes to the point of exhaustion. “To the point where we were like, ‘Shut up, Mom,'” she recalled with a hint of nostalgia.

In a touching social media post from August 2020, Kidman shared a photo of herself embracing her mother after a long separation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In her caption, she expressed her love and regret for missing her mother’s 80th birthday, affirming, “Love you Mumma.” The following year, she commemorated her mother’s birthday with another heartfelt post, indicating how they made up for the prior year’s missed celebrations.

In a tribute for her mother’s birthday in 2018, Kidman reflected on their bond, stating, “You loved me, guided me, and taught me, and I am so blessed to have you.” Last year, she reiterated the significance of her mother’s involvement in her life, remarking that her mother still plays a vital role in her fashion choices.

During the awards ceremony, Isabelle Huppert, the president of the jury at Venice, expressed her condolences to Kidman. In a public message, she said, “I just want to tell her that we really miss her and we love her,” sending heartfelt wishes to the grieving actress.

While Kidman’s achievement at the Venice Film Festival is a testament to her talent and hard work, the loss of her mother serves as a poignant reminder of the personal struggles that can accompany public success. In this challenging moment, the support from friends, colleagues, and fans highlights the importance of community during times of grief.

Source: USA TODAY