NICOLE KIDMAN HONORS LATE MOTHER DURING EMOTIONAL PALM SPRINGS FILM FESTIVAL TRIBUTE
NICOLE KIDMAN EXPRESSES GRIEF AND GRATITUDE BY DEDICATING INTERNATIONAL STAR AWARD TO MOM
Nicole Kidman, the renowned Australian actress, broke down on stage during the Palm Springs Film Festival as she dedicated her recent International Star Award to her late mother, Janelle Ann Kidman. The emotional moment was shared with the audience during the 36th annual International Film Awards gala, which took place on Friday.
Presented by her close friend and actress Jamie Lee Curtis, the award elicited strong feelings from Kidman, who expressed, "I want to dedicate ... because I didn’t get to do this at the Venice Film Festival." Tears streamed down her face as she shared how her grief was still fresh after the loss of her mother, who had passed away just days before the Venice event.
Kidman arrived at the Venice Film Festival to find out about her mother’s passing shortly after her arrival. Grieving, she missed the ceremony where she was to receive the festival's best actress award for her performance in the erotic thriller "Babygirl." Kidman recalled the moment, saying, "I arrived in Venice, and she was gone. I’ve asked my director Halina Reijn to accept the award on my behalf." Upon taking the stage at Palm Springs, Kidman expressed her thankfulness for the opportunity to honor her mother's memory.
"Thank you for giving me the chance to say, ‘This is for my mom,’" Kidman stated, wiping away tears as Curtis reached over to clasp her hand. "My whole career has been for my mom and my dad, who are not here now. But I still want to keep working and giving to the world because I love what I do. And I love you all. And I’m so grateful for the privilege to be part of the film community." Her heartfelt acceptance speech captivated the audience, showcasing Kidman's deep emotional bond with her late parents.
Janelle Ann Kidman’s influence on her daughter’s career was evident, as Kidman expressed how much she missed her mother. The actress spoke candidly, saying, "I didn’t want to do this, but I feel my mama right now. This is for you, mama." Kidman’s father, Antony Kidman, had also passed away, leaving her with bittersweet reflections as she navigated her successes without them.
Following her mother’s death, Nicole Kidman, alongside her sister Antonia, released a statement on Instagram thanking supporters for their kindness during this difficult time. "My sister and I along with our family want to thank you for the outpouring of love and kindness we have felt this week. Every message we have received from those who loved and admired our Mother has meant more to us than we will ever be able to express,” they wrote.
Nicole Kidman’s recent performance as the lead actress has earned her numerous accolades, including a nomination for the prestigious Golden Globe Awards. "Babygirl," which also stars actors Antonio Banderas and Harris Dickinson, has received rave reviews, solidifying Kidman’s status as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses.
While accepting awards has become frequent for Kidman, she remains grounded and reflective about her personal life and the losses she has faced. She wistfully remarked at the "Lioness" premiere on October 23, “I wish my mama was here. That’d be the one thing I’d say. Everything is great with work, but I wish my mama was here. It’s been hard. It’s a hard road. I’m hanging in there.”
Despite her grief, Kidman’s commitment to her craft has not waned. She is currently involved with the second season of Taylor Sheridan's "Lioness" on Paramount+, which debuted earlier this October. Not only is she gaining recognition for her performances, but she will also star alongside Curtis, who plays her sister in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video series "Scarpetta," which is based on Patricia Cornwell's book series.
With each new performance, Kidman continues to build on her legacy, honoring her family's memory by fueling her passion for acting and storytelling. While Janelle Ann Kidman may no longer be with her, the love and support she imparted will undoubtedly continue to resonate through Kidman’s life and work.
Nicole Kidman’s heartfelt tribute serves as not only a tribute to her late mother but also as inspiration to many, echoing the sentiments of gratitude, love, and perseverance amid loss.