Nicole Kidman misses the award for best actress in Venice because of the death of her mother

Nicole Kidman’s mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has died.

On Saturday, September 7, Kidman, 57, announced in a statement read by Babygirl Director Halina Reijn announced at the Venice Film Festival that she had left the festival early due to the death of her mother.

In the statement, which 48-year-old Reijn read on Kidman’s behalf during the star’s acceptance speech as best actress for her role in Baby girl — Kidman wrote that she flew to Venice and “shortly learned that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had died.”

“I am in shock and need to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me and she created me. I am eternally grateful that through Halina I can say her name to all of you,” the director continued, reading Kidman's statement. “The collision of life and art is heartbreaking and my heart is broken.”

After reading Kidman's words to the packed house in Venice, Reijn simply said: “We all love you, Nicole.”

A spokesperson for Kidman confirmed Janelle's death to PEOPLE, saying, “The family is heartbroken and asks for privacy at this time.”

The Big little lies The actress spoke to PEOPLE in November 2023 about how her mother has influenced her career and sense of style, sharing at the time that Janelle is “so involved in what I wear.”

Kidman also spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald about the couple's relationship. She said Janelle always encouraged her and helped her achieve her goals.

“She gave me the fire to pursue the career that I have because I always wanted to please her,” Kidman told the outlet in 2020, according to the Hollywood Reporter. “But she also went her own way and wanted her daughters to have the same opportunity to go their own ways.”

“Mom didn't necessarily have the career she wanted, but she was determined that her daughters would have the same opportunities,” Kidman added. “That gave me my life. And she gave me my life, her and my father.”