On September 7, 2024, at the Venice Film Festival, Nicole Kidman was awarded Best Actress for her role in Babygirl. However, she could not be present to receive the honor due to an unexpected family tragedy.
The Australian-American star left the festival early upon learning of her mother Janelle Ann Kidman’s passing, which occurred just days before the 10th anniversary of her father’s death. Nicole has fondly remembered her parents, saying they “guided” her throughout her life.
Janelle Ann Kidman, Nicole’s mother and a nursing instructor, passed away at the age of 84, just days before the 10th anniversary of Nicole’s father’s death
Who Was Janelle Ann Kidman?
Born while her parents, Janelle and Antony, were in the U.S. on student visas, Nicole entered the world on June 20, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii. At the time, Janelle was a nursing instructor and played a key role in editing her husband’s books. She was also actively involved in the Australian feminist movement through the Women’s Electoral Lobby.
Janelle passed away at the age of 84 in September 2024. After Nicole departed the festival, Babygirl director Halina Reijn accepted the award on her behalf and read a heartfelt statement from Nicole.
In her statement, Nicole shared the heartbreaking news: “Upon arriving in Venice, I learned that my brave and beautiful mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had passed away.” She went on to express her shock and the need to be with her family but dedicated the award to her late mother.
“She shaped and guided me,” the message continued, “and I am deeply thankful that I can speak her name to you all through Halina. The overlap of life and art can be profoundly painful. My heart is shattered.”
Nicole’s representative confirmed Janelle’s death to The New York Post, requesting privacy for the family during this difficult time.
Although Janelle’s cause of death has not been disclosed, Nicole previously mentioned her mother’s health issues in a 2022 interview.
She had returned to Australia to care for her, sharing, “We’re here to take care of my mother and have her surrounded by her grandchildren.” Nicole also described the meaningful experience of taking her mother, a lifelong art lover, to view a Matisse exhibit.
Reflecting on their bond, Nicole noted, “I’m gaining a unique perspective from seeing the world through my mother’s eyes at her age. At 81, she remains sharp, and I’m grateful for her wisdom and clarity.”
Who Was Antony Kidman?
Antony Kidman, a renowned biochemist, clinical psychologist, and author, was studying at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa when Nicole was born.
He later became a visiting fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health, prompting the family to relocate to Washington, D.C., where they participated in anti-Vietnam War protests.
Antony passed away at the age of 75 on September 12, 2014, following a heart attack during his morning exercise at a hotel in Singapore. His death profoundly affected Nicole, who described him as “a guiding light” in her life.
In the months after his passing, Nicole told Vogue US, “I’m still in the midst of grief. There are moments when I just wish I could hide and never come out.”
In April 2024, Nicole spoke publicly about the overwhelming reaction she had when seeing her father’s body at the morgue, recalling how she “started to shake and laugh” due to the sheer devastation.
Her mother had to slap her to snap her out of the shock, a reaction Nicole initially felt ashamed of but later realized was a natural response born out of deep love.
“It was a moment where I simply couldn’t process the loss,” she concluded, recognizing the intensity of her emotions during that time.
