Nicole Kidman is paying an emotional tribute to her late mother.
The Oscar winner took to social media to celebrate what would have been her mother’s 86th birthday. Kidman’s mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, sadly passed away in September 2024 at the age of 84. On Sept. 7, Kidman announced in a statement read aloud by “Babygirl” director Halina Reijn at the Venice Film Festival that the actress had left the festival early due to her mother’s passing.
Reijn read the statement 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 found out shortly after flying into Venice that her “beautiful, brave mother” had 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,” Reijn continued, reading Kidman’s statement. “The collision of life and art is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken.”
A couple of years later, as Kidman reflected on her mother’s birthday in a March 2026 post, fellow celebrities and friends flooded the comments with messages of love and support.
Kidman Remembers Late Mom on Her Birthday With Bittersweet Post
“Remembering my Mumma on her birthday. Always in my heart Mumma 💕” wrote Kidman in the caption of her Instagram post that included an old photo of the actress smiling with her mother.
Fellow actress Reese Witherspoon commented, “Your angel mama🩷”
Witherspoon and Kidman were executive producers and lead actresses in the HBO series “Big Little Lies,” playing Madeline Mackenzie and Celeste Wright, respectively.
Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role as Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” wrote, “❤️❤️❤️”
“Special Ops: Lioness” actress Laysla De Oliveira commented, “🥹❤️”
“Holding you ❤️❤️” commented author Jen Pastiloff.
Tony-winning Broadway actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth, best known for originating the role of Glinda in the musical “Wicked,” added, “Beautiful.”
Cheryl Strayed, writer and podcast host, wrote, “Thinking of you and sending love. 💕”
Kidman Grateful for ‘Outpouring of Love’ Following Her Mother’s Passing
GettyFollowing the passing of their mother, Kidman and her sister, Antonia Kidman, thanked fans in a joint Instagram post on Sept. 12, 2024, which featured old photos of their mother and family.
“My sister and I along with our family want to thank you for the outpouring of love and kindness we have felt this week,” the sisters wrote. “Every message we have received from those who loved and admired our Mother has meant more to us than we will ever be able to express. Thank you from our whole family for respecting our privacy as we take care of each other ❤️”
Janelle Ann Kidman worked as a nursing instructor for most of her life, according to Women’s Weekly. She also edited her husband’s books, and she was a member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby.
