AceShowbiz - Angelina Jolie has found a deep connection with Maria Callas, the renowned opera singer she portrays in the forthcoming film "Maria". Speaking to PEOPLE at the American Film Institute Festival premiere in Hollywood, Jolie revealed that she shares a "certain loneliness" with Callas, stemming from their unwavering dedication to their craft.

"I don't want to speak too much about it because it's too personal, but there's definitely a loneliness and a work ethic," Jolie said. "I may be many things, but I'm a very hard worker, right?"

According to Jolie, she and Callas would likely connect on being "performers and workers who have a job to do." She added that they are both "probably very hard on ourselves."

Jolie's connection to Callas goes beyond their shared qualities. For her role, she underwent months of opera classes and Italian lessons to embody the legendary soprano. She credits the experience as an unexpected form of therapy, allowing her to express herself and unleash her inner voice.

"You have to give every single part of yourself...everything that you've got," Jolie said. "I had no idea how much I was holding in and not letting out."

Despite her extensive preparation, Jolie still experienced nerves before performing. "I was so nervous that morning I was out of my mind," she recalled.