Nicole Kidman drops out of Venice Film Festival after family tragedy

Actress Nicole Kidman was planning to attend the Venice Film Festival to receive an award for her performance in “Babygirl” when tragedy struck.

On Sept. 7, Kidman was slated to attend the Venice Film Festival after winning best actress. However, the director of her film Halina Reijn took the stage instead.

Reijn then read a short statement Kidman wrote to the audience.

In the statement, Kidman revealed her mom had died earlier that day. “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 short 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.”

According to Variety, Janelle Kidman was a nursing instructor and a member of the Australian feminist group, the Women’s Electoral Lobby.

Nicole Kidman often posted about her mom fondly on special holidays. On Mother’s Day in 2023, she wrote, “My beautiful Mumma, Happy #MothersDay! Couldn’t love you more. And her mother, my grandmother - celebrating you today.”

Underneath that post, in the comment section, fans offered Nicole Kidman their condolences for her loss.

“My sincere condolences to you and your family,” a fan wrote. “May God’s love, guidance, support be with during this difficult time. God bless.”

Janelle Kidman/’s cause of death has not been reported.

This story was originally published September 8, 2024 at 9:47 AM.