Australian actress Nicole Kidman had to cancel her participation in the awards ceremony shortly after landing in Venice and return home after learning of the sudden death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman. Kidman's family tragedy was reported by director Halina Reijn, who accepted the Volpi Cup for best actress at the festival on her behalf.
Nicole Kidman – as expected – was awarded the Volpi Cup for best actress by the jury of the Main Competition of the Venice International Film Festival. Kidman delighted with the main role in the film “Babygirl” directed by Halina Reijn.
When the jury chair announced that the award was going to Kidman, Reijn appeared on stage. She explained that the actress had already been to Venice, but had to return home shortly after landing, in Italy she learned about the sudden death of her mother – Janelle Ann Kidman.
Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson in “Babygirl” by Halina Reijnphoto: Niko Tavernise/La Biennale di Venezia
Reijn read a short letter from the stage on behalf of the Australian.
“Today I flew to Venice, only to find out a moment later that my brave and beautiful mother – Janelle Ann Kidman – has just passed away. I am in shock and have to go back to my family, but this award is for her,” Reijn read.
“She shaped me, she guided me, she created me. I am so grateful that through Halina I can say her name. The collision of life and art can be very painful. My heart is torn,” wrote Nicole Kidman.
Halina Reijn with the Volpi Cup for Nicole KidmanPAP/EPA/ETTORE FERRARI
Nicole Kidman with Harris Dickinson
“Babygirl,” directed by Halina Reijn and starring Kidman, was generating buzz long before the festival began. It is the Dutch actress, director, and screenwriter's third feature film. The filmmaker made her debut in 2019 with the thriller “Instinct,” which drew international critics' attention. In 2022, her “Bodies Bodies Bodies” became a hit at SXSW.
Reijn debuted in the Venice Main Competition with “Babygirl,” which is described as an erotic thriller. Kidman stars opposite Harris Dickinson. “A high-profile CEO risks her career and family life when a passionate romance develops between her and a much younger intern,” reads Reijn's description of the film.
“Each of us carries deep, taboo fantasies that we will probably never share with anyone. I am fascinated by the duality of human nature, and this film is an attempt – without judgment – to draw attention to the opposing forces that create our individual selves. For me, feminism is the freedom to explore a woman's sensitivity, love, shame, rage and the beast within,” Reijn explained in a director's statement.
“The Hollywood Reporter”, tvn24.pl
Main image source: ALLISON DINNER/EPA