Nicole Kidman Unable to Accept Venice Acting Prize in Person Due to Mother’s Death: ‘My Heart Is Broken’
variety.comEllise Shafer Nicole Kidman won the best actress prize at Venice Film Festival for her performance in “Babygirl” on Saturday night, but was not on hand to accept the prize because of some devastating news.
After Kidman’s name was announced, “Babygirl” director Halina Reijn took the stage and delivered written remarks in place of Kidman, revealing that the actor had traveled to Venice to attend the ceremony but had to leave due to news of her mother’s death. “Today, I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after my brave and beautiful mother, Janelle Anne Kidman, had just passed,” Kidman wrote. “I’m in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her.” The statement continued, “She shaped me, she guided me and she made me.
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.
My heart is broken.” Kidman’s mother was a nursing instructor and was a member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby, an Australian feminist group.
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