The response to Angelina Jolie’s latest film leaves her in tears.
At the Venice Film Festival on August 29, Jolie, who stars as the late opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s Maria, received an emotional eight-minute standing ovation at the Sala Grande Theater.
The 49-year-old actress, visibly moved, wiped away tears and averted her gaze as the audience’s cheers filled the theater. She embraced Larraín, 48, and her co-stars as they basked in the overwhelming praise.
Footage of the standing ovation quickly spread on social media, with Variety’s Editor-in-Chief Ramin Setoodeh noting on X (formerly Twitter), “Angelina Jolie’s 8-minute standing ovation at #Venezia81 for ‘Maria’ is the most rapturous applause I’ve seen at the festival since Brendan Fraser’s Oscar campaign for The Whale here two years ago.”
For the premiere, Jolie dazzled in a custom strapless beige gown by Tamara Ralph, adorned with a fur stole, romantic draping, and a pleated skirt. She paired the look with a striking red lip and matching nails, creating a bold contrast with her earth-toned outfit.
Before the screening, Jolie revealed that the role presented unexpected challenges and offered profound personal revelations. “Playing the legendary soprano provided me with ‘therapy I didn’t realize I needed,’” she told The Hollywood Reporter. She described the role’s demands as deeply emotional, involving not just technical skill but a full personal commitment.
Reflecting on her preparation, Jolie had said, “I take very seriously the responsibility for Maria’s life and legacy. I am committed to this role and honored to work with filmmaker Pablo Larraín and writer Steven Knight.”
Larraín, enthusiastic about the collaboration, praised Jolie’s courage and adventurous spirit, calling it “a true gift.”
The film portrays the “tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic” final days of the world’s greatest opera singer in 1970s Paris.