Nicole Kidman, the renowned Academy Award-winning actress, touched hearts during her emotional speech at the Palm Springs International Film Awards. As she accepted the Career Achievement Award, Kidman dedicated the honor to her late mother, Janelle Kidman, who passed away in early 2023.
“Thank you for giving me the chance to say, ‘This is for my mom,'” Kidman said as the audience erupted in applause. “My whole career has been for my mom and my dad, who are not here now. I’m still going to keep working and giving to the world because I love what I do, and I love you all, and I’m so grateful for the privilege to be a part of the film community.”
Fighting back tears, she continued, “I’m sorry that I’m crying—I didn’t want to do that. But I feel my mom right now, so this is for you.”
In September, Kidman had first shared news of her mother’s unexpected passing while attending the Venice International Film Festival.
She had traveled to Venice to receive the Best Actress award for her performance in Babygirl. However, before she could accept the honor, she hurriedly left the festival and returned to Sydney to be with her family.
Her director, Halina Rejn, read a statement on her behalf while accepting the award in her place.
The statement read: “I arrived in Venice today and learned shortly after that my strong and beautiful mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had passed away.
“I am 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.”