Nicole Kidman's heartbreak over losing her mom who was 'very excited' to see her in erotic thriller Babygirl

Nicole Kidman has opened up about her saucy - and 'terrifying' - new role in Babygirl, and losing her mom while she was at the Venice Film Festival .

The 57-year-old actress spoke to Vanity Fair for their Hollywood Issue, about grieving her mother, Janelle Ann, who died suddenly on September 7 at age 84 - while Kidman was at the film festival to accept an award for her erotic thriller role .

'She was very excited to see Babygirl, and she was excited to see The Perfect Couple too, but she didn't get to see either of those,' the actress told the publication.

Kidman described her mom as her 'compass,' adding she loved and supported her career.

'She was my compass in a way. It's like losing that, but at the same time going,' the Oscar award-winning actress told Vanity Fair.

'So much of what she wanted for my sister and I was to create women in this world who felt like they could express themselves and have opportunities, especially things she didn't have from her generation.'

The actress added her mother 'loved' her career, and was always supportive of her endeavors.

'She would be there through all the ups and downs, all of it. Her essence has been pretty much the driving force through my whole life. I wish she could have seen this part of it,' Kidman added.

The actress, who is married to country legend Keith Urban, announced the news of her mom's death via Babygirl director Halina Reijn, who read a statement on her behalf during a Venice International Film Festival panel last month.

Kidman intended to attend the festival and accept the Volpi Cup award for best actress for her role in the erotic drama.

Her message, delivered by Reijn, read, 'Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed.'

Leaving the event early, Kidman explained, '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.'

The Big Little Lies star added, 'I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the collision of life and art is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken.'

She later took to Instagram to share a thank you note with her 10 million followers while sharing throwback photos.

'My sister and I along with our family want to thank you for the outpouring of love and kindness we have felt this week,' she wrote in a joint post with her sister, Antonia.

'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.'

The actress embraced a pivotal moment in her career with her racy film Babygirl, which followed the release of The Perfect Couple.

She stars in the erotic movie opposite The Iron Claw star Harris Dickinson, 28 and won Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival.

The film sees Kidman play a high-powered married company boss who falls for a kinky young intern.

Of why she took on the role, she said: 'If it's seen as a risk, I'll take these risks. And if they're bold risks, then I'll take those risks'.