Nicole Kidman was awarded Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday night for her powerful performance in Babygirl, but her absence cast a somber shadow over the moment. The actress, who had planned to attend the ceremony, was forced to leave Venice after receiving heartbreaking news: the death of her mother, Janelle Anne Kidman.
Director Halina Reijn, who helmed Babygirl, took to the stage to accept the award on Kidman’s behalf and read a poignant message from the actress.
“Today, I arrived in Venice only to learn that my brave and beautiful mother, Janelle, had passed away,” Kidman’s statement began. “I’m in shock, and I must go be with my family. But this award is for her.”
Kidman continued, “She shaped me, guided me, and made me who I am. I’m so grateful I can say her name here, through Halina. The collision of life and art is truly heartbreaking. My heart is broken.”
Janelle Anne Kidman was not only a nursing instructor but also a passionate advocate for women’s rights, being an active member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby, an Australian feminist organization.
Despite her absence, Kidman’s win was one of the highlights of the evening, sharing the spotlight with Vincent Lindon, who took home the Best Actor award for The Quiet Son. Paul Kircher also earned accolades, winning the Best Young Actor prize for his role in And Their Children After Them.
The night’s most prestigious honor, the Golden Lion for Best Film, was awarded to Pedro Almodóvar for The Room Next Door, a film featuring acclaimed performances by Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton. Elsewhere, director Brady Corbet secured the Silver Lion for Best Director for his work on The Brutalist.
Though Kidman’s triumph at Venice was a testament to her remarkable talent, the night was undeniably overshadowed by the deep personal loss she faced.
