Nicole Kidman announced her mother's death in a statement read by her Babygirl director Halina Raine at the Venice Film Festival on September 7.
The famous actress was scheduled to take the stage to speak after winning Best Actress for her performance in “Babygirl,” but was unable to attend due to a family emergency. In a video shared on social media, Lane read a statement from Kidman in lieu of a congratulatory speech. “I arrived in Venice today and shortly thereafter learned that my beautiful and brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has passed away,” Lane said, reading Kidman's words from a newspaper.
“Baby Girl” director Halina Rain accepts the matter #Venice81 She will accept the Best Actress award on behalf of Nicole Kidman, whose mother passed away upon arrival in Venice. pic.twitter.com/ig0Z6VpYC7
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) September 7, 2024
Nicole Kidman and her mother attending the 61st Annual Golden Globe Awards – Arrivals at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, California, USA. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc) Getty Images
Lane continued his moving reading, sharing Kidman's words with the audience.
“I am in shock and need to be with my family but this award is for her,” Kidman wrote.
“She shaped me, guided me and created me and I am so grateful to be able to share her name with you all through Halina.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 4, 2024: Nicole Kidman attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix's “The Perfect Couple” at the Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on September 4, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axel/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) Getty Images
Kidman's statement went on to say: “The collision of life and art is heartbreaking and my heart is broken.”
After reading Kidman's speech to a sold-out audience in Venice, Lane paused for a moment before concluding: “Nicole, we love you all.”
The cause of Janelle's death has not been made public and details surrounding the circumstances of her death are not currently available.
Janelle was 84 years old. Page 6.
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 21: Nicole Kidman attends the New York Premiere of Prime Video's “The Expats” at the Museum of Modern Art on January 21, 2024. (Photo by John Nasion/WireImage) Getty Images
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 5: (L-R) Actress Nicole Kidman with her mother Janelle Ann Kidman and niece Lucia Hawley attend the 2018 AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel at The Star in Sydney, Australia on December 5, 2018. (Photo by James D Morgan/Getty Images)
Kidman has previously spoken about her close bond with her mother, acknowledging Janelle as an influence on her career and fashion style. She previously said that her mother always encouraged her and helped her achieve her goals. (RELATED: Platinum-selling rapper Rich Homie Quan dies at age 34: Reports)
“She gave me the passion to pursue a career because I always wanted to please her,” Kidman said. Sydney Morning Herald.
