Nicole Kidman missed the 2024 Venice Film Festival awards ceremony after learning shortly after arriving in Venice that her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had died. Kidman won the Best Actress prize for Babygirl; the film’s director, Halina Reijn, accepted it and read Kidman’s written statement.
Why was Nicole Kidman absent from the Venice awards?
Kidman said in her written statement that she had learned of her mother’s death shortly after arriving in Venice. She wrote that she was in shock and needed to be with her family. Her absence was from the ceremony; she did not attend to collect the award. ABC News and Variety reported the circumstances in September 2024.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Practical Magic Blu-ray | Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman | Region Free | $17.76 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Kids (1995) [ Blu-Ray, Reg.A/B/C Import - Germany ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51zst6oPzUL._SL160_.jpg)
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Kids (1995) [ Blu-Ray, Reg.A/B/C Import - Germany ] | $25.21 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nicole Kidman Triple Film Collection | $19.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Stoker | $12.38 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Eyes Wide Shut | Buy on Amazon |
Who accepted Kidman’s award?
Babygirl director Halina Reijn accepted the Best Actress prize on Kidman’s behalf and read her statement at the ceremony. Kidman’s words, as reproduced by ABC News, included: “I arrived in Venice and found out shortly after that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed.” She also wrote, “I have to go to my family but this award is for her.”
What is known about Janelle Kidman’s death?
ABC News reported that Janelle Kidman was 84 and that her cause of death was not known at the time of its September 8, 2024 report. A report of a 2016 hospitalization for heart issues does not establish the cause of death, and no cause should be inferred from it.
#1 Best Overall
- Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman
Which Venice festival year was it?
Kidman’s award and absence were at the 81st Venice Film Festival in 2024. This is separate from the 82nd edition: the festival’s official record dates that edition’s awards ceremony to September 6, 2025. La Biennale di Venezia’s record confirms the later date.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How did Kidman later honor her mother?
In January 2025, Kidman said she had been unable to dedicate the Venice award to her mother at the time. At the Palm Springs International Film Awards, she dedicated another award to Janelle. The Associated Press reported the dedication on January 4, 2025.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Factory sealed DVD
Rank #3
- Nicole Kidman: Strangerland / Queen of the Desert / Lion ( Strangerland / Queen of the Desert / Lion
- Nicole Kidman: Strangerland / Queen of the Desert / Lion
- Strangerland / Queen of the Desert / Lion
Rank #2
- Kids (1995)
- Kids (1995)
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