Nicole Kidman recalls moment she learned of mom’s death, says she was ‘completely devastated’

VENICE, ITALY: Nicole Kidman is opening up about one of the most painful moments of her life - the instant she learned her mother had passed away, just as she was about to step onto a global stage.

The actress, speaking on April 18, reflected on the memory that unfolded during the Venice International Film Festival, where she had been preparing to accept a major award.

Nicole Kidman reveals devastating moment before stepping on stage

Nicole Kidman shared that she was moments away from going on stage to accept a best actress award for her role in ‘Babygirl’ when she received the news about her mother, Janelle Kidman.

“I was about to go out on stage, and I found out that my mother had passed,” she said.

Instead of walking into the spotlight, she turned away from it. “I went right back to my room in Venice, was getting into bed, and I was completely devastated,” Nicole recalled.

Nicole Kidman reflects on grief and feeling lost after loss

As the reality of her mother’s death sank in, Nicole admitted she didn’t know how to move forward.

“I’m not sure how I’m going to move forward or function now,” she remembered thinking at the time.

Her words reflect just how close she was to her mother. “She was so much a part of my existence,” Nicole said.

The contrast of the moment stayed with her. A night that should have been filled with applause and recognition instead became one of silence and grief.

Harrowing attempt to leave Venice alone in the middle of the night

Nicole also spoke about the immediate aftermath, describing her attempt to leave Venice and return home to Australia.

“I remember getting into a boat in the canal, literally at night, trying to find my way to the airport,” she said.

But the emotional weight became too much to handle. “And then turning around, going, ‘I can’t even do this,’” she added.

She returned to her room, alone. “Then I went back to bed. And I was alone. My husband wasn’t there, my children weren’t there,” she said.

The isolation made the moment even harder. “I was there to win an award, which should’ve been a beautiful thing. That there is the contrast of life,” Nicole reflected.

Nicole Kidman honors her mother as a tribute shared publicly

At the time, Nicole left Venice early to be with her family in Australia following her mother’s death.

While she couldn’t accept the award herself, her words were still heard.

Her ‘Babygirl’ director Halina Reijn read a statement on her behalf during a festival panel, sharing Nicole’s tribute to her mother.

“Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed,” the statement read.

“I am 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.”