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Breaking News: Nicole Kidman Misses Best Actress Win in Venice Due to Her Mother’s Death: ‘Family Is Heartbroken’
In the statement — which Reijn, 48, read aloud on Kidman’s behalf during what would have been the star’s acceptance speech for best actress for her role in Babygirl — Kidman wrote that she had flown in to Venice, only to find out “shortly after that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has just passed.”
“I’m in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me and she made me.
I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina,” the director continued, reading Kidman’s statement.
“The collision of life and art is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken.” After reading Kidman’s words to the packed house in Venice, Reijn said simply: “We love you all, Nicole.”
A rep for Kidman confirmed Janelle’s death to PEOPLE and said “the family is heartbroken and asks for privacy at this time.”