In an emotional moment, Nicole Kidman opened up about the devastating news she received during the 2024 Venice Film Festival—just hours before accepting her Volpi Cup for Best Actress. While preparing to go on stage, the Oscar-winning actress was told that her mother, Janelle, had passed away at 84. The news left her in shock, forcing her to return to her hotel room and grapple with the profound loss.
“I was about to go on stage, and I found out my mother had died,” Nicole recalled, sharing how she was left “completely devastated” by the news. The actress, who had just won the prestigious award, described the overwhelming sense of loss that clouded what should have been a celebratory moment.
Despite the devastation, Nicole reflected on how such tragedies reveal life’s contrasts. “That’s when I know I’m resilient. That’s when I know I can survive pretty much anything,” she said, describing the painful intersection of grief and achievement.
The star went on to talk about her unique path to healing, revealing her recent decision to train as a death doula. This admission left many “confused or intrigued” as she expressed her desire to offer solace and care to those in their final days—a deeply personal mission inspired by the loss of her own mother.
In her powerful reflection on grief, Nicole shared how alone she felt during that time in Venice, as her then-husband Keith Urban and their children were not with her. Despite this, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share her emotions with the world and for the lessons learned from her own heartache.
Nicole also honored her mother’s legacy by sharing a heartfelt tribute on what would have been Janelle’s 86th birthday, posting a touching throwback photo with her mother and writing, “Always in my heart Mumma.”
