Nicole Kidman hurriedly departs from Venice Film Festival after news of mother Janelle's death

VENICE, ITALY: Nicole Kidman is grieving the loss of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, who has died at the age of 83.

The 57-year-old actress shared the news on Saturday, September 7, in a statement read aloud by 'Babygirl' director Halina Reijn at the Venice Film Festival.

Nicole Kidman's departure from the Venice Film Festival

Nicole Kidman, who was attending the festival to accept the Best Actress award for her role in 'Babygirl', made an early exit after receiving the tragic news.

In her statement, which Reijn, 48, delivered on Kidman's behalf during the event, the actress revealed that she had just arrived in Venice when she learned of her mother’s death.

"Shortly after that, my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has just passed," Kidman wrote in her statement.

"I'm in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me, and she made me. I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina," Reijn continued, sharing Kidman’s words.

Reijn concluded the announcement by expressing support for Kidman, stating, "We love you all, Nicole," to the audience at the Venice Film Festival.

The family is "heartbroken and is asking for privacy during this difficult time," according to a representative for Kidman's statement to People.

Inside Nicole Kidman's close relationship with her mother Janelle Ann Kidman

Nicole Kidman, the elder daughter of Janelle and Antony Kidman, has often spoken about her close relationship with her mother and the profound impact Janelle had on her life and career.

In a November 2023 interview with People, the 'Moulin Rouge' actress shared how her mother played a pivotal role in her career decisions and even influenced her sense of style, saying, "She is so involved in what I wear."

Previously, she spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald about the encouragement and support Janelle provided throughout her life as she emphasized that her mother inspired her to pursue her acting career and achieve her goals.

In a 2020 interview with Hollywood Reporter, Kidman said, “She’s given me the fire to pursue the career I have because I’ve always wanted to please her."

“But she also carved her own path and wanted her daughters to have the same opportunity to carve their own paths," she noted.

Janelle Kidman was determined that her daughters would have opportunities that she herself did not have.

"Mum didn’t necessarily get the career that she wanted, but she was determined that her daughters would have opportunities that were equal," said Kidman.

"That’s given me my life. And she gave me my life, she and my dad," she added.