Nicole Kidman broke down in tears as she paid tribute to her late mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, while accepting the International Star Award at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival on Friday. The 57-year-old actress, honoured for her role in the film Babygirl, admitted she was 'still grieving' following her mother's death in September.
Accepting the award from actress Jamie Lee Curtis, Kidman dedicated the win to her mother, saying: 'Thank you for giving me the chance to say, “This is for my mom.”' She added: '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.'
Apologising for her tears, Kidman said: '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.' The audience applauded in support as she spoke.
Kidman first shared the news of her mother's sudden death in September at the Venice International Film Festival, where she won Best Actress for Babygirl but left immediately to return to Sydney. Her director, Halina Reijn, accepted the award on her behalf, reading a statement in which Kidman wrote: 'My beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed. I am in shock, but this award is for her, she shaped me, she guided me, and she made me.'
In December, Kidman opened up about her grief on CBS Sunday Mornings, saying: 'Three months on, and people say to me, “Yeah, she was 84, a good life...” But that was my mom. It doesn't matter what age someone is. There is no limit on grief.'
