EBN- Nicole Kidman, who was absent from the closing ceremony of the Venice Film Feastival on Saturday, September 7, 2024 , announced that her mother died hours before she was to receive the award for best actress at the ceremony for her role in the drama “Baby Girl.”
Nicole Kidman’s Word
Kidman,57,was absent from the ceremony and was unable to accept the award for Best Actress, but she did entrust the task of reading her speech to the film’s director, Halina Regin, who accepted the award on her behalf and revealed that Nicole’s mother, Janelle, passed away at the age of 83 while Nicole was in Venice.
The star said in her speech: “Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after that my beautiful and courageous mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has passed away.”
She added: “I am in shock and I need to be with my family, but this award is for her. She was the one who inspired me, guided me, and made me who I am.”
She continued: “I am so grateful that I can mention her name to all of you through Halina. The collision of life and art is so painful, and my heart is broken.” She concluded her speech by saying: “We love you all.”
Baby girl movie
Set in a dramatic setting, the film revolves around Romy, played by Nicole Kidman, an executive married to a theater director, who finds herself in a romantic relationship with a younger colleague at work, putting her career and family at risk.
As a reminder, here is the list of awards for the 2024 Venice Film Festival:
Official Competition
Golden Lion for Best Film: The Room Next Door directed by Pedro Almodóvar
Silver Lion Grand Jury Award: Vermigilio directed by Maura Del Pero
Silver Lion for Best Director: Brady Corbett
Special Jury Award: April directed by Dia Kolumbegashvili
Best Screenplay: Maurilio Hauser and Héctor Loriga for I’m Still Here
Volpi Cup for Best Actress: Nicole Kidman for Babygirl
Volpi Cup for Best Actor: Vincent Lindon for The Quiet Son
Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best New Young Actor or Actress: Paul Kircher for And Their Children After Them.
HORIZONS COMPETITION
Best Film: The New Year That Never Came directed by Bogan Morisano
Best Director: Sarah Friedland for Familiar Touch
Special Jury Prize: One Of Those Days When Hemme Dies directed by Murat Ferratoglu
Best Actress: Kathleen Chalfant for Familiar Touch
Best Actor: Francesco Gigi for Familia
Best Screenplay: Skander Copti for Happy Holidays
Best Short Film: Who Loves The Sun directed by Arsenal Chekiba.
