Nicole Kidman candidly recalls the ‘harrowing’ moment she learned of her mother’s passing at Venice Film Festival

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Nicole Kidman shared a heartbreaking story about finding out her mother had passed away while she was at the 2024 Venice Film Festival.

The 58-year-old actress, who recently shared she’s training to be a death doula, discussed the subject at HISTORYTalks 2026 in Philadelphia on Saturday.

The Academy Award-winning actress’s mother, Janelle, died in September 2024 at 84 years old. This happened just hours before the actress received the Volpi Cup for her role in the film Babygirl.

She told the audience at the Kimmel Center’s Marian Anderson Hall that winning Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival felt like a recurring pattern in her life, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

‘I was about to go on stage, and I found out my mother had died,’ she remembered. 

Kidman said she immediately went back to her hotel in Venice and was deeply upset by what had happened.

The actress openly shared how difficult it was when her mother passed away, explaining that her mom had been such a central figure in her life and being present during that time was deeply upsetting.

Nicole Kidman recalled a time when she had to take a boat through the canals at night, desperately trying to reach the airport. She ultimately realized she couldn’t go through with whatever she was attempting and had to turn back.

The actress, known for her role in Moulin Rouge, shared that she felt very lonely because her husband, Keith Urban, and their children weren’t with her in Venice at that time.

‘I’d gone to win an award. What should have been a beautiful thing, ended up with that.’

She explained that it’s the ups and downs of life that really show your strength. She often tells people that facing challenges is how she knows she can get through anything.

The actress explained that sharing her new interest in becoming a death doula had sparked a mix of confusion and curiosity from others.

Nicole Kidman recently shared her thoughts on the topic while speaking at the University of San Francisco’s Silk Speaker Series.

I was really moved by what she shared with everyone. She admitted it might sound a bit unusual, but her heart is to support people in their final weeks, and I think that’s incredibly beautiful.

My father received a lot of palliative care, which led me to learn about the growing field of death doulas. I already knew about birth doulas, and it was interesting to discover this similar support system exists for end-of-life care,” she explained at the event, as reported by The Daily Mail.

‘As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide.’ 

Nicole Kidman revealed that she and her sister, Antonia, both used a death doula – someone who provides support during the end-of-life process – when their mother was nearing the end of her life.

That’s when I realized how much we need people who can offer unbiased comfort and support. I truly believe it’s vital to have compassionate care available throughout life, from birth to death.

The Eyes Wide Shut actress later reflected on how she has grown throughout hardships in her life. 

Everyone faces setbacks sometimes, and that’s perfectly normal. Remember, you’re in charge of your own life and get to decide what it means to you.

She encouraged listeners to ignore the opinions of others, saying, ‘Don’t let anyone else control you or tell you who you are.’

Following their mother’s passing in September 2024, Nicole Kidman and her sister released a heartfelt statement together.

My sister, our family, and I are so grateful for all the love and support you’ve shown us this week.

We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support following our mother’s passing. Your kind messages have meant the world to us. On behalf of our entire family, thank you for understanding and respecting our need for privacy during this difficult time as we support one another.

Upon learning of her mother’s death, Kidman left the Venice Film Festival early. 

As a huge fan, I was heartbroken to read the statement shared by director Halina Reijn from Nicole Kidman. She had just arrived in Venice when she learned of the passing of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, whom she described as beautiful and brave. It’s just so incredibly sad.

I’m still reeling from the news and need to be with my family, but this award truly belongs to her. She’s the one who molded me into who I am, offering guidance and unwavering support.

The message ended with a heartfelt expression of gratitude: ‘I’m so thankful to be able to share her name with you all through Halina. The way life and art came together in this is deeply sad, and it’s broken my heart. We send our love to everyone.’

The next month, Nicole Kidman was spotted receiving support from her former husband, Keith Urban, at her mother’s funeral in Sydney, Australia.

The actress’s father Antony died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 75 in 2014.

Last month, in March, Nicole Kidman posted a heartfelt message remembering her mother, Janelle, on what would have been her 86th birthday.

She shared an old photo of herself with her mother, wishing her a happy birthday and saying she’s always remembered and loved.

This week, Nicole Kidman was in Las Vegas for CinemaCon on Tuesday, before she’s scheduled to appear at HISTORYTalks 2026 this weekend.

She reunited with Sandra Bullock as they teased their upcoming sequel Practical Magic 2.  

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2026-04-19 09:09