Angelina Jolie Moved to Tears by Standing Ovation for 'Maria' at Venice Film Festival
Angelina Jolie was visibly emotional during a rousing reception for her latest film, "Maria," at the 2024 Venice Film Festival. The actress, who stars as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas in director Pablo LarraÃn's biopic, was greeted with an eight-minute standing ovation at the film's premiere on Thursday, 29 August, at the Sala Grande Theatre.
Jolie, 49, was seen wiping away tears as the audience's applause reverberated through the theatre following the film's conclusion. She embraced LarraÃn, 48, and fellow cast members as they acknowledged the audience's enthusiastic response.
The standing ovation was widely lauded on social media, with many observers noting its intensity. "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 launched his Oscar campaign for 'The Whale' here two years ago," wrote Ramin Setoodeh, Editor-in-Chief of Variety, on X (formerly Twitter).
For the premiere, Jolie opted for a bespoke strapless beige gown by Tamara Ralph, adding a touch of wintery glamour with a fur stole draping over the sleeves. The romantic drapery and pleated skirt hem completed the elegant ensemble. Her blonde hair was styled in an effortless side part, while her makeup was simple, with the exception of a bold red lip that matched her nails, adding a pop of colour to the monochromatic earth-tone outfit.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the screening, Jolie discussed the challenges she faced in portraying Callas. She revealed that the role provided her with "therapy [she] didn't realise [she] needed," noting the emotional journey it entailed. "I had no idea how much I was holding in and not letting out," she said. "So the challenge wasn't the technical, 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."
Jolie previously expressed her dedication to honouring Callas' legacy when she took on the role in 2022. "I take very seriously the responsibility to Maria's life and legacy. I will give all I can to meet the challenge," she stated. "Pablo LarraÃn is a director I have long admired. To be allowed the chance to tell more of Maria's story with him, and with a script by Steven Knight, is a dream."
LarraÃn echoed Jolie's sentiments, adding, "Having the chance to combine my two most deep and personal passions, cinema and opera, has been a long-awaited dream. To do this with Angelina, a supremely brave and curious artist, is a fascinating opportunity. A true gift."
The film, described as a "tumultuous, beautiful and tragic story of the life of the world's greatest opera singer," recounts Callas' final days in 1970s Paris. Netflix has acquired the rights to "Maria," though a release date has not yet been announced.
