The Oscar-winning actress has received an eight-minute standing ovation for her latest film, 'Maria', which is a biographical drama about the Greek opera singer Maria Callas.
- August 30, 2024
AceShowbiz - Angelina Jolie, 49, portrayed the renowned soprano in director Pablo Larrain's film "Maria". At its premiere at the Sala Grande Theater during the 2024 Venice Film Festival, Jolie became overwhelmed with emotion as the audience erupted into a prolonged standing ovation upon the movie's conclusion.
With tears streaming down her face, Jolie briefly turned away from the crowd. She then embraced Larrain and her fellow castmates, sharing in the overwhelming affection expressed by the audience.
The standing ovation was met with high praise from critics. Variety's Editor-in-Chief described it as "the most rapturous applause I've seen at the festival since Brendan Fraser launched his Oscar campaign for The Whale two years ago."
Jolie's performance as Callas required extensive preparation, including seven months of opera training. She expressed at a press conference, "I was terribly nervous, but Pablo demands you really do the work and learn, and this challenge was an emotional experience for me."
The film tells the "tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic story of the life of the world's greatest opera singer," reliving her final days in 1970s Paris. Jolie's portrayal is expected to propel her into the Best Actress race for the upcoming Oscars, 15 years after her last nomination for the 2009 film "The Changeling".
"Maria" marks Larrain's third installment in his trilogy of films about iconic women. Netflix has acquired the rights to the film, and a release date will be announced in the near future.
