Nicole Kidman breaks down in tears as she dedicates award for 'Babygirl' to her late mother

Nicole Kidman dedicated her 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival International Star Award to her late mother Janelle Ann Kidman
UPDATED JAN 5, 2025
Nicole Kidman shared that her entire career has been a tribute to her parents at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival (Getty Images)
Nicole Kidman shared that her entire career has been a tribute to her parents at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival (Getty Images)

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA: Nicole Kidman received the International Star Award for the movie 'Babygirl' at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 3, presented by Jamie Lee Curtis.

During her heartfelt acceptance speech, Kidman honored her late mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, who died at 84 in September 2024.

Nicole Kidman's emotional acceptance speech


PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 03: Nicole Kidman accepts the International Star Award onstage during the 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 03, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Society)
Nicole Kidman accepts the International Star Award onstage during the 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 3, 2025, in Palm Springs, California (Getty Images)

In her acceptance speech, Nicole Kidman tearfully said, "Thank you for giving me the chance to say, 'This is for my mom.'"

The emotional moment drew a huge applause from the audience. She shared that her entire career has been a tribute to her parents.

"I'm still going 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 a part of the film community," the 57-year-old actress said.

"I'm sorry that I'm crying, I didn't want to do that. But I feel my mom right now so this is for you," she added, according to People.


SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 17: (L-R) Janelle Kidman, actress Nicole Kidman and her father Antony Kidman arrive for the Australian premiere of the film 'Cold Mountain' at the State Theatre on December 17, 2003 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Peter Carrette Archive/Getty Images)
Janelle Kidman, Nicole Kidman, and her father Antony Kidman arrive for the Australian premiere of the film 'Cold Mountain' at the State Theatre on December 17, 2003, in Sydney, Australia (Getty Images)

Kidman had missed screenings of 'Babygirl' at both the Venice and Toronto International Film Festivals in September to be with her family following her mother’s death.

She and her sister, Antonia Kidman, later expressed gratitude to fans for their “outpouring of love and kindness” during their time of mourning.

"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 stated.

"Thank you from our whole family for respecting our privacy as we take care of each other," Kidman and Antonio added.

(Getty Images)
Nicole Kidman with her mother Janelle Ann Kidman as they attend the 2018 AACTA Awards presented by Foxtel at The Star on December 5, 2018 in Sydney, Australia (Getty Images)

Nicole Kidman's award-winning performance in 'Babygirl'

Nicole Kidman’s performance in 'Babygirl' earned widespread acclaim.

The erotic thriller, directed by Halina Reijn, stars Kidman alongside Harris Dickinson and Antonio Banderas.

In the film, Kidman plays a high-powered CEO whose life spirals out of control due to a dangerous affair.

Festival chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi praised her performance, calling it “a tour de force” and highlighting Kidman’s talent for bold and complex roles.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by A24 (@a24)


 

"We are honored to present her with the International Star Award, an accolade that truly embodies Nicole Kidman,” Chandi noted.

Nicole Kidman's collaboration with Jamie Lee Curtis

Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis, who presented the award, are also co-starring in Prime Video’s upcoming series 'Scarpetta', based on Patricia Cornwell’s novels.

Both actresses serve as executive producers on the project, which explores the lives of two sisters navigating complex relationships and mysteries.


PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 03: Nicole Kidman (R) accepts the International Star Award from Jamie Lee Curtis (L) onstage during the 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 03, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Society)
Nicole Kidman accepts the International Star Award from Jamie Lee Curtis onstage during the 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards on January 3, 2025 in Palm Springs, California (Getty Images)

'Babygirl' is currently playing in theaters.

MORE STORIES

The post Khloe Kardashian liked featured Charlie Kirk speaking with a fan at an event about his devout Christian faith
Sep 13, 2025
Whitney Cummings sparked widespread outrage after posting a controversial tweet about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Sep 13, 2025
Prince Harry was spotted entering King Charles’s London residence, months after saying his father had ignored his calls
Sep 11, 2025
Rosie O'Donnell said Ellen DeGeneres’ friendship denial hurt so much she printed T-shirts for her staff reading, 'I don’t know Rosie, we’re not friends'
Sep 10, 2025
A post alleged that Karoline Leavitt called Patti LaBelle 'just a singer,' leading LaBelle to deliver a seven-word response that froze the studio
Sep 10, 2025
Jennifer Lopez feels free channeling emotions into music, but Ben Affleck is embarrassed and sees it as crossing a line, according to the source
Sep 9, 2025
Howard Stern added that he missed last week’s show due to illness, not contract talks, and addressed rumors of being fired from his own show
Sep 9, 2025
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement in August 2025 triggered a wave of pregnancy chatter after an ultrasound photo went viral
Sep 9, 2025
Ed Sheeran, 34, revealed that he was leaving Suffolk with his wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters, Lyra and Jupiter
Sep 9, 2025
From Ice Spice’s chaotic corset to Paris Hilton’s flame dress, see the celebs who landed on the worst-dressed list at the 2025 VMAs
Sep 8, 2025