In her current mourning for the recent death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, Nicole Kidman had refused to attend the North American premiere of her movie Babygirl, going to be featured at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Director Halina Reijn spoke about Kidman’s absence during the movie premiere and offered some perspective on this rather emotional case.

Director’s Address:

At the premiere of Babygirl, Halina Reijn, who directed it, said a few words before the screening and took a moment to address the crowd with a story about why Nicole couldn’t make it.

Reijn continued, saying, “We just returned from Venice where we actually had the world premiere of our movie, and it was, as you may have read, quite an emotional experience because Nicole Kidman won the Best Actress award.”

She continued, “Sadly, just before she was due to accept the award, she received news of her mother’s passing and had to rush off. That’s why you don’t see her here tonight.

Is Volpi Cup Achievement of Nicole Kidman at Venice Film Festival:

The lead role of Babygirl earned Nicole Kidman the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival. The award was presented during the festival’s closing by the Jury President, Isabelle Huppert. Kidman, however, was not there because she had received news of her mother’s death.

Halina Reijn read a heartfelt statement on behalf of Nicole: “Today, I woke up in Venice learning only a few hours after that my brave, beautiful mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had just died. I’m still in shock. I must go to my family, but this award is for her.”

Kidman’s words are, “She shaped me, guided me, and made me. I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina. The collision of life and art is heartbreaking. My heart is broken. “

About Babygirl:

In Babygirl, Nicole Kidman plays a businesswoman whose professional life is complimented by a seemingly happy marital status with Antonio Banderas.

It unravels when she meets a male intern in her company, portrayed by Harris Dickinson, and a love affair ensues, thus affecting her life. It is scheduled to be in the US theatre by A24 on December 25 this year during the Christmas season.