Hollywood star Nicole Kidman made her way to Italy for the Venice Film Festival awards, only to depart shortly after her arrival due to the death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman.

Nicole, 57, won the Best Actress award for Babygirl at the Italian festival but was not present to accept it. Instead, her director, Halina Reijn, accepted the award on her behalf.

Halina read a note from Nicole during the acceptance speech.

The director said: "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.

"I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the collision of life and art is heart-breaking, and my heart is broken. We love you all," Halina ended.

Nicole revealed her mother's illness in January 2022 but provided no further information at the time.