Hello everyone, at the Venice Film Festival, the spotlight was on Angelina Jolie as she delivered a deeply moving performance in her latest biopic, *Maria*. The event turned emotional for the actress as she received an overwhelming eight-minute standing ovation from the audience at Sala Grande, leaving her visibly teary-eyed. This heartfelt response is a testament to Jolie’s powerful portrayal of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, a role that demanded intense preparation and a profound emotional connection.
Jolie, who is no stranger to the pressures of the public eye, appeared deeply moved by the audience’s reaction. As the applause echoed through the venue, she was seen wiping away tears and covering her mouth in disbelief. The 49-year-old actress, currently navigating a turbulent divorce from Brad Pitt, was escorted down the stairs by Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín, who directed *Maria*, as the applause continued to ring out.
Angelina Jolie tears up during 8-minute standing ovation for her role in upcoming film ‘Maria’ at the Venice Film Festival.
— Pop Base (@PopBase) August 29, 2024
During a press conference earlier that day, Jolie opened up about the intense journey of embodying Callas. She revealed that her preparation for the role spanned about seven months, during which she worked closely with opera singers and coaches to master the intricate techniques of posture, breathing, and movement that are essential to opera. But beyond the technical aspects, Jolie shared that the experience was deeply therapeutic, allowing her to release emotions she hadn’t realized she was holding onto.
Jolie’s connection to Callas went beyond the technical; she resonated with the singer’s vulnerability and softness—qualities that Jolie admitted she shares. “The challenge wasn’t just the technical,” she said. “It was an emotional experience to find my voice, to be in my body, to express. You have to give every single part of yourself.”
Despite the accolades and the glowing reception, Jolie’s personal life remains under scrutiny. The actress has been candid about the emotional toll her ongoing divorce from Pitt has taken on her. Their split, which began in 2016 following a highly publicized incident on a plane, continues to cast a shadow over both their lives. Jolie has accused Pitt of violence during that incident, claims he has consistently denied.
As Jolie continues to navigate the complexities of her personal life, her professional achievements, like the one at the Venice Film Festival, offer a poignant contrast. Her role as Callas, a woman who also faced intense personal struggles, seems to have provided a unique outlet for Jolie to channel her own experiences of pain and despair into her art.
Jolie’s musical tastes, once rooted in punk rock, have evolved over time, with the actress now finding solace in classical music and opera. She noted that the depth of emotion encapsulated in opera resonates with her on a profound level, especially during challenging times.
Angelina Jolie weeps through an 8-minute #Venezia81 standing ovation for ‘Maria,’ which will be a major Oscars contender. pic.twitter.com/PMiu4RWJ09
— Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) August 29, 2024
As the festival wrapped up and the applause faded, one thing was clear: Angelina Jolie has once again proven her ability to captivate audiences, both with her talent and her undeniable strength in the face of adversity. Her portrayal of Maria Callas is set to leave a lasting impression, much like the legendary singer herself.
