Angelina Jolie Moved to Tears by Standing Ovation for 'Maria' at Venice Film Festival
Angelina Jolie was visibly emotional at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday, overwhelmed by the roaring applause following the premiere of her new film "Maria". The Oscar-winning actress was escorted down the stairs of the theatre amidst a thunderous ovation, reportedly lasting several minutes. Video footage captured Jolie wiping away tears as the crowd cheered.
"Maria", a biopic directed by Pablo LarraÃn, stars Jolie as Maria Callas, one of the world's greatest opera singers. Set in 1970s Paris, the film explores Callas's tumultuous life and chronicles her final days.
The film has already generated significant Oscar buzz following its Venice premiere, with critics praising Jolie's performance. LarraÃn, known for his previous biopics "Jackie" and "Spencer" starring Natalie Portman and Kristen Stewart respectively, both of which garnered Academy Award nominations, appears to have struck gold again.
At a press conference earlier in the day, Jolie spoke of the surprising connections she found with Callas, specifically highlighting "the part of her that's extremely soft and doesn't have room in the world to be as soft as she truly was, and as emotionally open as she truly was." Jolie added, "I share her vulnerability more than anything."
Netflix announced on Wednesday that "Maria" will be available for streaming at a later date. The film is expected to be a major contender for awards season, with Jolie's powerful performance generating early excitement.
