On 18/4, Nicole Kidman attended HISTORYTalks in Philadelphia. Speaking with journalist Hoda Kotb, she shared the moment she received devastating news after winning Best Actress for her role as Romy in "Babygirl" at the 9/2024 film festival. Just minutes after her triumph, she learned of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman's, passing.

"I was about to go on stage when I heard my mother had passed," she shared. "I immediately went back to my room in Venice, got into bed, and completely broke down. I thought, 'I don't know how I'm going to get through this, I don't know how to live.' My mother meant so much to me. Being in Venice at that moment was heartbreaking."

In March, the actress posted a photo with her mother for her birthday. *Photo: Instagram Nicole Kidman*

Kidman then recounted her attempt to leave Venice that night to be with her family. "I remember getting on a boat on the canal, trying to find my way to the airport," she stated. "But then I turned back and told myself, 'I can't even do this.' I returned to bed, alone. My husband wasn't there, nor were my children. I was there to receive an award, which should have been wonderful. This is the contrast of life." At the time of the festival, she was married to country singer Keith Urban.

The actress said this painful experience reminded her of her resilience. Kidman viewed it as a valuable lesson her mother had taught her, a lesson she then passed on to her two daughters: "Never let anyone destroy your spirit."

She continued, "My mother came from an era where she received no career advice for her passions. She raised us, supported my father, helping him earn his doctorate. Essentially, my mother dedicated her life to her family, never pursuing her dream job. My mother was incredibly intelligent."

According to People, at the Venice Film Festival 2024, "Babygirl" director Halina Reijn accepted the award for Kidman, reading a pre-prepared speech. "I am in shock and must return to my family," the speech read. "This award is for my mother. She shaped who I am, guided me, and made me who I am today. I am grateful to have her name called out before everyone thanks to Halina. It is heartbreaking to see the conflict of life with art; my heart is broken."

At the HISTORYTalks event, Kidman also revealed her mother encouraged her not to retire in her 40s. At the time, she had moved to Nashville, was pregnant, and considered quitting acting. Her mother urged her "not to completely give up" the career she began at 14, emphasizing that film was a part of her. This encouragement led Kidman to explore a new path as a producer.

In 2020, the actress posted an old photo with her parents and one of her two young daughters; the exact date is unknown. Her father, Antony Kidman, passed away in 2014. *Photo: Instagram Nicole Kidman*

Born in 1967 to an Australian family in Hawaii, Nicole Kidman is a leading Hollywood actress. IMDb credits Kidman with 281 nominations and 119 film awards, including an Oscar and six Golden Globe Awards. Her recent project is the horror film "Holland", released on 27/3.

Kidman and singer Keith Urban, who is the same age, divorced in 10/2025 after almost 20 years of marriage. They have two daughters: Sunday Rose, 18, and Faith Margaret, 16. Prior to Urban, she had an 11-year marriage with Tom Cruise, divorcing in 2001. She and Cruise have two adopted children.

Phuong Thao (according to People, Hollywood Reporter)