The 81st Venice International Film Festival witnessed a mesmerizing moment on August 29 2024 as Hollywood star Angelina Jolie receives 8-minute standing ovation for Maria and moved to tears. Directed by Pablo Larraín, the biographical drama chronicles the life of Greek opera singer Maria Callas, a role that has catapulted Jolie back into the Oscar race after a 15-year hiatus.
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Angelina Jolie Emotional Venice Film Festival Premiere
The world premiere took place at the Sala Grande Theatre, where the audience erupted into cheers of “Angelina! Angelina!” as Jolie appeared. The heartfelt reception was reminiscent of the Venice standing ovation that reignited Brendan Fraser’s career in 2022 with “The Whale.” Overwhelmed by the crowd’s reaction, Jolie was seen wiping away tears and turning her face away from the cameras. She embraced Larraín and the film’s cast, visibly touched by the overwhelming love and admiration.
The Venice premiere of “Maria” marks a significant milestone for Jolie, who last received an Oscar nomination in 2009 for her role in Clint Eastwood’s “The Changeling.” Jolie previously won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2000 for her performance in “Girl, Interrupted.”
Fans Flock to Venice for Jolie
The excitement for Jolie’s appearance in Venice started long before the screening. Fans camped out for over 24 hours to catch a glimpse of the star. Equipped with tents and umbrellas, they endured the heat, eager to interact with their idol. When Jolie finally arrived, she graciously signed autographs, took selfies, and even knelt down to greet a fan with brittle bone disease, who had been brought to the red carpet on a bed. The moment was captured by flashing paparazzi lights, further solidifying Jolie’s status as a beloved icon.
“Maria”: A New Contender in the Biographical Drama Genre
“Maria” reunites director Pablo Larraín with writer Steven Knight, the creative duo behind the 2021 Venice hit “Spencer.” The film tells the tumultuous and tragic story of Maria Callas, widely regarded as the greatest opera singer of all time, as relived during her final days in 1970s Paris.
This film is the third in Larraín’s trilogy about iconic women, following “Spencer,” which focused on Princess Diana, and “Jackie,” which centered on Jacqueline Kennedy in the aftermath of JFK’s assassination. Like “Judy,” the 2019 biopic about Judy Garland that won Renee Zellweger an Oscar, “Maria” explores the complex nature of fame and the emotional toll it can take on its stars.
Jolie’s Dedication to the Role of Maria Callas
During a press conference earlier in the day, Angelina Jolie opened up about the intense preparation required to portray Maria Callas, including her first time singing on screen. “Everybody here knows, I was terribly nervous,” Jolie confessed. “I spent almost seven months training because when you work with Pablo, you can’t do anything by half. He demands, in the most wonderful way, that you really do the work and you really learn and train.”
Jolie’s commitment to authenticity has already drawn comparisons to her Oscar-winning performances of the past, fueling speculation that she could be a top contender for the Best Actress category at the upcoming Oscars.
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A Film to Watch for Awards Season
With Netflix set to release “Maria” later this year, anticipation is high for both the film’s commercial success and its potential impact on the awards circuit. The film’s premiere at Venice has undoubtedly set the stage for what could be another triumphant chapter in Jolie’s illustrious career.
Whether it’s Jolie’s emotionally charged performance, Larraín’s masterful direction, or the film’s compelling narrative, “Maria” has all the ingredients to be a standout contender this awards season. Fans and critics alike will be eagerly watching to see if this role brings Jolie back to the Oscar podium.
