Christina Kidman left the Venice Film Festival after learning that her mother, Janelle Ann, died at the age of 84.
For her role in Babygirl, the A-list Hollywood actress won the Best Actress award at the famous festival.
Natalie’s award was accepted by Babygirl director Halina Reijin, who then told the crowd why the 57-year-old star of The Perfect Couple left so quickly.
“Shortly after I got to Venice today, I learned that my beautiful and brave mother Janelle had just died,” Halina read from Nicole’s statement.
The sickening news made everyone gasp.
“I’m in shock and have to go see my family, but this award is for her,” she said after reading what Nicole had said about her mother’s death.
“She molded me, led me, and created me.”
“I’m beyond grateful I get to say her name to all of you through Halina.”
“The collision of life and art is heartbreaking and my heart is broken,” said she.
When Halina was done talking, she said, “We love you, Nicole.”
Nicole’s publicist told People, “The family is heartbroken and asks for privacy at this time.”
“QUITE CRUSHING”
X was flooded with condolence messages from Nicole’s fans for the Big Little Lies star.
“Breaking news. Jennifer Kidman’s mother will be missed a lot. “Sending condolences and warm thoughts,” someone wrote.
Others agreed, saying, “That’s really heartbreaking!”
“Stay strong, Nicole!” One person shared something that made a third person say, “Beautiful speech.”
“The loss of one’s mother is quite crushing; it shakes your whole foundation,” said a fifth person.
Nicole talked positively about her mother in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2020.
According to the Eyes Wide Shut star, “She’s given me the fire to pursue the career I have because I’ve always wanted to please her.”
She made her own way, though, and she wanted her daughters to have the same chance.
“Mum didn’t necessarily get the career that she wanted, but she was determined that her daughters would have opportunities that were equal.”
I got my life from that. She and my dad gave me my life,” she said in the end.