Nicole Kidman received devastating news about her mother’s death during the world premiere of her latest film, Babygirl. The 57-year-old Australian actress was forced to miss the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) premiere on Tuesday, September 10, after learning of her mother’s passing.
Though she could not attend the event, Kidman sent a heartfelt note through the film’s director, Halina Reijn, who shared the emotional moment with the audience. “We just came back from Venice where we had the world premiere of our movie,” Halina explained. “It was quite an emotional experience, as you might have read because Nicole Kidman had just won the award for best actress.”
Halina went on to reveal the heart-wrenching timing of the tragedy. “Unfortunately, right before she was going to go on stage and accept the award, she sadly heard of her mother’s passing and had to rush off to her family, and that’s why she’s not here with us tonight.”
Despite her absence, Kidman was eager to express her excitement for the North American premiere of Babygirl. “She wanted all of us to know that she was so excited for this day,” Halina shared. “It’s very special to us.”
Kidman had been honored with the best actress prize at the Venice Film Festival for her performance in Babygirl. Though she could not accept the award in person, Kidman sent a statement in which she dedicated the achievement to her late mother, Janelle Ann Kidman.
Halina read Kidman’s emotional statement to the crowd: “Shortly after I arrived in Italy, I found out that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has just passed. I’m in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, guided me, and made me who I am. I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina.”
Kidman’s message conveyed the deep emotional conflict she was experiencing, as Halina concluded by saying, “The collision of life and art is heart-breaking, and my heart is broken.” She ended by sharing Kidman’s words of gratitude: “We love you all, Nicole.”