Nicole Kidman continues to privately mourn the death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman.
The Oscar winner did not appear at the premiere of the film at the Toronto International Film Festival Girl on Tuesday, September 10, a few days after the news of his mother’s death.
During the Toronto premiere, the film’s director, Halina Reijn, explained Kidman’s absence.
“We just got back from Venice where we had the world premiere of our film, and it was quite an emotional experience as you can read because Nicole Kidman just won the award for best actress,” Reijn told the audience.
“Unfortunately, right before she was going to go on stage and receive her award, unfortunately she heard that her mother had passed away and she had to rush to her family and that’s why she’s not with us tonight. But she wanted us all to know that she was so excited about this day ,” the director continued. “It’s very special to us. This is our North American premiere.”
Halina Reijn reads a letter on behalf of Nicole Kidman at the Venice Film Festival on September 7, 2024.
Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty
Nicole Kidman missed the award for the best actress in Venice due to the death of her mother: ‘Family Is Heartbroken’
At the Venice Film Festival over the weekend, Kidman, 57, was honored with the best actress award for her performance, but sent a statement in absentia.
Read aloud by Reijn, 48, at the time, Kidman wrote that she arrived in Italy, only to find out “shortly after that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had just passed away”.
“I’m in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, guided me and created me. I’m beyond grateful to be able to say her name to all of you through Halina,” the director continued, reading Kidman’s statement. “The collision of life and art is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken.”
After reading Kidman’s words to a packed audience in Venice, Reijn simply said, “We love you all, Nicole.”
A rep for Kidman confirmed Janelle’s death to PEOPLE and said “the family is heartbroken and requests privacy at this time.”
Nicole Kidman missed the award for the best actress in Venice due to the death of her mother: ‘Family Is Heartbroken’
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Nicole Kidman at the premiere of “The Perfect Couple” on September 4, 2024. The event was her last major public appearance before learning of the death of her beloved mother.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
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The Big little lies The actress opened up to PEOPLE in November 2023 about how her mother has influenced her career and sense of style, saying at the time that Janelle is “so involved in what I wear.”
Kidman also previously spoke with Sydney Morning Herald about their relationship. She said Janelle always encouraged her and helped her achieve her goals.
“She gave me the fire to pursue the career I have because I’ve always wanted to please her,” Kidman told the paper in 2020. The Hollywood Reporter. “But she was also carving her own path and wanted her daughters to have the same opportunity to blaze their own trails.”
“Mom didn’t necessarily get the career she wanted, but she was determined that her daughters would have the same opportunities,” Kidman added. “It gave me life. And she gave me life, she and my dad.”
The actress stars with Harris Dickinson and Antonio Banderas Girlin which Kidman portrays a business executive who begins an affair with an intern (Dickinson). Banderas plays the husband of Kidman’s character.
Girl it’s in theaters on December 25.
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Source: HIS Education