Angelina Jolie Steals the Spotlight at Venice Film Festival with “Maria”
The Venice Film Festival is known for its glamour, prestige, and, above all, its love for movie stars. This year, the festival celebrated one of Hollywood's brightest icons—Angelina Jolie. On a night filled with emotion, Jolie became the toast of Italy as she graced the world premiere of “Maria,” a biographical drama directed by Pablo Larraín that chronicles the life of the legendary Greek opera singer, Maria Callas.
As the lights dimmed and the final scene of “Maria” faded to black, the audience at the Sala Grande Theatre erupted into an eight-minute standing ovation. The applause was deafening, and the energy in the room was palpable. Jolie, visibly moved, wept openly as she received the overwhelming praise. This emotional moment instantly drew comparisons to Brendan Fraser's tearful ovation for “The Whale” at the same festival in 2022, which signaled a significant career resurgence for him.
A Night of Emotions and Triumph
For Angelina Jolie, the night was not just about the film but also about the connection she shares with her fans. The standing ovation seemed to be a reflection of her long-standing relationship with audiences worldwide. As the applause continued, Jolie was seen wiping away tears and at times turning her face away from the crowd, clearly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. She embraced Larraín and her fellow cast members, a poignant moment that hinted at the possibility of “Maria” being a strong contender in the upcoming awards season.
This marks a significant return to the Oscar race for Jolie, who hasn't been a major player in the Best Actress category for 15 years. Her last nomination came in 2009 for her role in Clint Eastwood's “The Changeling.” Jolie's Oscar journey began much earlier, though, when she won Best Supporting Actress in 2000 for her role in “Girl, Interrupted.”
The Making of “Maria”
“Maria” is not just another biographical drama; it is the third film in Larraín's trilogy that explores the lives of iconic women. The trilogy began with “Jackie” in 2016, which focused on Jacqueline Kennedy in the aftermath of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, and continued with “Spencer” in 2021, a film about Princess Diana that also premiered at the Venice Film Festival. “Maria” delves into the life of Maria Callas, considered one of the greatest opera singers of all time, capturing the tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic elements of her final days in 1970s Paris.
The film reunites Larraín with writer Steven Knight, who penned “Spencer.” Knight is known for his ability to dive deep into the psyches of his characters, and with “Maria,” he brings to life the complexities of Callas's persona—her extraordinary talent, her battles with fame, and the loneliness that often accompanied her success. The film draws parallels with “Judy,” the 2019 biopic about Judy Garland, which won Renée Zellweger an Oscar for her portrayal of the troubled star.
Jolie's Preparation and Dedication
Playing the role of Maria Callas was no easy feat, even for a seasoned actress like Angelina Jolie. During a press conference earlier in the day, Jolie spoke candidly about the challenges she faced in preparing for the role. One of the most daunting tasks was learning to sing opera, a skill entirely new to her. “Everybody here knows, I was terribly nervous,” Jolie admitted. She spent nearly seven months training her voice, working tirelessly to embody the legendary soprano as authentically as possible.
Jolie's dedication to the role was evident. She expressed that working with a director like Larraín demands nothing short of complete commitment. “When you work with Pablo, you can't do anything by half,” she said. This level of dedication is one of the many reasons why Jolie's portrayal of Callas is already being hailed as one of her most powerful performances to date.
Fans and Fanfare in Venice
The adoration for Jolie wasn't confined to the theater. In the 24 hours leading up to the screening, fans began gathering outside the venue, some even camping overnight to secure a chance to see their idol. With temperatures soaring to 90 degrees, the fans' dedication was remarkable. When Jolie finally arrived, she didn't disappoint. She took the time to sign autographs, pose for selfies, and even shared a heartfelt moment with a fan who had been transported to the event on a bed due to a debilitating condition.
Jolie's interaction with her fans highlights the deep bond she shares with her audience. It's this connection, combined with her undeniable talent, that continues to make her one of the most beloved figures in cinema.
The Road Ahead
With “Maria” set to be released on Netflix later this year, the buzz around the film is only expected to grow. The standing ovation at Venice is likely just the beginning of what could be a significant awards season run for both the film and Jolie. As the Oscar race heats up, all eyes will be on Angelina Jolie and her portrayal of Maria Callas, a role that could very well bring her back to the Oscar stage.
In a career filled with memorable performances, Jolie's turn in “Maria” might just be the one that cements her legacy as one of the greatest actresses of her generation. As the Venice Film Festival has shown us, the world is ready to celebrate Angelina Jolie once again.
