In a moment of raw emotion that captivated the audience at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie found herself overwhelmed with tears as thunderous applause filled the historic Sala Grande.
The standing ovation that followed the premiere of Pablo Larraín’s “Maria” on August 29, 2023, not only marked a triumphant return to the silver screen for Jolie but also solidified her position as a frontrunner in the upcoming awards season.
The film, which chronicles the final days of legendary opera singer Maria Callas, showcases Jolie’s remarkable transformation and her dedication to the craft of acting.
As the credits rolled and the applause continued long after, it became clear that this performance could very well be a defining moment in Jolie’s illustrious career, potentially paving the way for her second Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Key Points
Jolie’s Emotional Triumph at Venice
The Venice Film Festival has long been a launching pad for Oscar-worthy performances, and Angelina Jolie’s turn in “Maria” appears to be no exception. As the final notes of applause echoed through the Sala Grande, Jolie, visibly moved, embraced her co-stars Pierfrancesco Favino and Alba Rohrwacher.
The emotional intensity of the moment was palpable, with even the film’s screenwriter, Steven Knight, fighting through the crowd to share an embrace with the lead actress.
A Return to Form
For Jolie, “Maria” represents more than just another role; it marks a significant return to acting after several years of focusing on her family and directorial pursuits. During the film’s press conference, Jolie reflected on this journey, stating, “I’ve needed to be home more with my family in these last years, and in that time, I’ve become more grateful to just be an artist, and play.“
Oscar Buzz Builds
With Netflix acquiring the U.S. distribution rights to “Maria,” industry insiders are already speculating about a robust Oscar campaign. Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas, particularly in the opera singer’s final days as she strives to reclaim her voice, has struck a chord with critics and audiences alike. The film’s exploration of Callas’s reflections on her life and career provides Jolie with a canvas to showcase her considerable acting prowess.
Venice’s Volpi Cup: A Predictor of Oscar Glory?
As the festival continues, Jolie has emerged as a strong contender for the Volpi Cup for Best Actress, an award often seen as a precursor to Oscar nominations.
Should she win, Jolie would be the first of director Pablo Larraín’s leading ladies in his trilogy of historical portraits to claim this honor at Venice.
The Challenge of Portraying a Legend
One of the most intriguing aspects of Jolie’s performance in “Maria” is her commitment to authentically portraying the opera legend. In preparation for the role, Jolie underwent extensive vocal training, learning not just to mimic Callas’s singing but to embody the physical and emotional aspects of opera performance. This dedication to the craft has not gone unnoticed, with early reviews praising Jolie’s transformation.
A Personal Connection
During the press conference, Jolie hinted at a deeper, personal connection to the role of Maria Callas. When asked about relating to the character, Jolie cryptically responded, “Well, there’s a lot I won’t say in this room,” suggesting that her own life experiences may have informed her portrayal of the complex and often misunderstood opera diva.
Conclusion
As the Venice Film Festival continues and awards season looms on the horizon, all eyes are on Angelina Jolie and her poignant portrayal in “Maria.” The tears shed at the film’s premiere may very well be a prelude to the emotional journey that lies ahead for both the actress and her audience.
With critical acclaim, audience adoration, and the backing of a major streaming platform, Jolie’s return to the forefront of cinema is nothing short of triumphant.
As the standing ovation at Venice demonstrated, Angelina Jolie remains a formidable presence in the world of film, capable of moving audiences to tears with her artistry and passion.
