Angelina Jolie had an emotional night at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday. The Oscar-winning actress, who was in attendance for the premiere of her highly anticipated film, *Maria*, was deeply moved by the overwhelming reception she received.
As the credits rolled and the lights came up, Jolie was met with a thunderous and extended standing ovation that brought tears to her eyes. Video footage from the event captures the poignant moment as Jolie, visibly touched, wipes tears from her face while being escorted down the theater’s staircase.
The film ‘Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín, features Jolie in the role of Maria Callas, the legendary opera singer whose dramatic life and career in 1970s Paris serve as the film’s focal point. Larraín, known for his previous works ‘Jackie’ and ‘Spencer’, was present at the premiere alongside the film’s cast members, including Alba Rohrwacher and Pierfrancesco Favino.
During a press conference earlier in the day, Jolie shared her deep connection to Callas’ character. She revealed that she resonated with Callas’ vulnerability and emotional openness, elements of the opera singer’s personality that Jolie felt mirrored her own experiences. “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 remarked, emphasizing how she related to this aspect of Callas.
The film’s premiere has already generated significant buzz, with early discussions hinting at potential Oscar nominations. Jolie’s portrayal of Callas has been described as deeply moving, contributing to the film’s early acclaim.
In a recent update, Netflix announced that ‘Maria’ will be available for streaming at a later date, expanding the film’s reach to a broader audience. The emotional response from the Venice Film Festival is just the beginning for this highly anticipated biopic, which promises to captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling and stellar performances.