Nicole Kidman's adopted children with Tom Cruise absent from AFI Lifetime Achievement honour

The children’s reported connection to Scientology adds a layer of complexity to their relationship with the actress.

Nicole Kidman's recent AFI Life Achievement Award celebration highlighted the absence of her two adopted children with ex-husband Tom Cruise, Connor and Isabella.  

While Kidman's daughters with Keith Urban, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, were by her side, Connor and Isabella were not in attendance.

The actress has spoken about her strained relationship with her older children, often attributed to their involvement in Scientology alongside their father.  In a 2017 Australia’s WHO magazine interview, Kidman emphasised her unconditional love for her children and her commitment to respecting their choices, even within the context of religious differences.

Kidman and Cruise adopted Isabella in 1992 and Connor in 1995. After the couple's divorce in 2001, the children reportedly chose to live with their father due to their loyalty towards him and the Church of Scientology.

Despite their absence, Kidman's acceptance speech appeared to include a subtle reference to her time with Cruise. While acknowledging her daughters as "the loves of my life," she also alluded to the various bonds formed with past co-stars, some of whom she's "fallen in love with" and even married.  Kidman and Cruise starred in three films together during their marriage.

While Kidman's relationship with Connor and Isabella remains complex, she has consistently expressed her unwavering love and support for them.