Nicole Kidman revealed that her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, passed away at the age of 83, just hours before the actress was awarded Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for her role in Babygirl, and though Kidman was not in attendance at the festival to accept the award, and instead, her director, Halina Reijn, read a statement on her behalf.

The news of Janelle Ann Kidman's passing sadly came on the same day that Nicole Kidman was honored for her performance, creating a poignant moment for the actress, as the Daily Mail reports.

Kidman’s mother had been dealing with ongoing health issues, as the actress had mentioned in a January 2022 podcast. Despite these struggles, Kidman and her family had recently managed to take Janelle to the Art Gallery of New South Wales to see a Matisse exhibition. This was a significant moment for the actress, as her mother had raised her with a deep appreciation for the arts.

Halina Reijn Shares Kidman’s Emotional Statement

At the Venice Film Festival, Halina Reijn, the director of Babygirl, read Kidman’s heart-wrenching statement, in which the actress expressed her shock and grief over her mother’s death. "Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed," Kidman said.

The actress shared that her mother had a profound impact on her life and career. In the statement, Kidman added, “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.”

Kidman’s Tribute to Mother

Nicole Kidman’s statement emphasized the deep connection she had with her mother, mentioning that her mother’s guidance and influence played a crucial role in her personal and professional life. “I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina,” Kidman said, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of receiving such an important award amidst her grief.

The actress concluded the emotional message by saying, “The collision of life and art is heart-breaking, and my heart is broken.” Kidman also expressed gratitude towards the audience and the people close to her, stating, “We love you all.”

Kidman Reflects on Her Mother’s Health Journey

In the January 2022 podcast, Kidman had spoken candidly about her mother’s health and the emotional toll it took on her. Despite her mother’s health struggles, Kidman cherished the time they spent together. She recounted a particularly moving experience when she was able to take her mother to the Matisse: Life & Spirit exhibition. Kidman said, “It was soothing balm last night,” noting that the experience brought comfort to both of them.

She also described how her mother’s perspective, as an 81-year-old woman, had given her new insights into the world. “I’m at the place where I’m being given the chance to view the world through her eyes,” Kidman shared, adding that her mother’s wisdom had become a significant part of her own understanding of life.

Kidman’s Role in Babygirl

Kidman stars in the film Babygirl, playing the role of a New York business executive who embarks on an affair with her intern, played by Harris Dickinson. The film explores themes of desire, power, and control, delving into the complexities of relationships and human emotions. Directed by Halina Reijn, the film also addresses issues surrounding sex, consent, and inner turmoil.

Kidman has described her role in Babygirl as one that allowed her to explore a wide range of human emotions and behaviors. She stated that the film was not only about sex, but also about “desire, secrets, marriage, truth, and power.” Working with a female director, Kidman felt liberated by the project and praised Reijn for her handling of the sensitive material.

A Bold Exploration of Desire and Power

Kidman has emphasized that her portrayal of the character was meant to be an honest and nuanced examination of human behavior. “I don’t think there’s a judgement attached,” Kidman explained, adding that each viewer is invited to interpret the character’s actions and motivations in their own way. She further explained that the role provided her an opportunity to examine women on screen in a more complex and multifaceted manner.

Reijn, the director, also spoke about the importance of exploring themes of sexuality and behavior through a female lens. “I think all beings have different sides within ourselves,” Reijn noted. She expressed her belief that the film challenges traditional ideas of good and evil, revealing the duality that exists within all individuals.

Kidman’s Connection to the Role

For Kidman, working on Babygirl was a deeply personal and liberating experience. She praised the environment created by Reijn, noting that the director’s approach made her feel protected and supported throughout the filming process. “I knew she wasn’t going to exploit me,” Kidman said, adding that the cast and crew worked together to ensure that the film felt authentic and genuine.

Kidman’s portrayal of her character in Babygirl allowed her to explore the intricacies of human relationships, particularly those involving power dynamics and desire. She expressed that the project had given her a chance to delve into themes that were meaningful to her as an artist.

Conclusion

Nicole Kidman’s emotional tribute to her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, came at a pivotal moment in her career, as she was honored with the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival.

Her mother’s influence on her life and work was evident in the heartfelt statement read by her director, Halina Reijn.

Despite the grief she faced, Kidman’s role in Babygirl offered her a platform to explore complex themes of human behavior, desire, and power. As the actress continues to navigate her personal and professional journey, her mother’s legacy remains a guiding force in her life.