Angelina Jolie receives 8-Minute standing ovation for 'Maria' movie at Venice premiere | Watch

Angelina Jolie was moved to tears by the overwhelming response to her new movie, ‘Maria’, at the 2024 Venice Film Festival premiere on August 29.

The Oscar-winning actor was seen turning away from the audience to wipe her tears during an eight-minute standing ovation following the premiere.

Angelina Jolie wore a custom-made beige gown by Tamara Ralph, paired with a fur stole for the occasion. After becoming emotional, she was comforted by her ‘Maria’ co-star Pierfrancesco Favino, briefly resting her head on his shoulder. The film’s director, Pablo Larraín, also assisted her up the stairs, where she bowed to the audience.

Reacting to a video, a fan said, ‘She's been through so much, and to get this praise for her work must feel amazing.’

‘Best human, gorgeous woman,’ read a comment. ‘If there's one celebrity I stan, it will always be Angelina Jolie,’ a person wrote. ‘Queen is back,’ tweeted another fan. ‘Hope she gets the Oscar,’ commented another person.

In an interview with the media at the Venice Film Festival, Angelina Jolie discussed the challenges and deep personal significance of portraying Callas, whose life was a remarkable blend of talent and tragedy.

When asked whether she sees the role as a potential path to a second Oscar, Jolie said, ‘For me, the bar in this where I would know if I did good enough are the Maria Callas fans and those who love opera, and my fear would be to disappoint them.’

She added, ‘So of course all other things and in my own business if there’s a response to the work, I’m very grateful. But in my heart, to disappoint the people who love her and who she means a lot to, and her legacy, I came to care for her. I didn’t want to do a disservice to this woman.’

About the movie

‘Maria’ centres on the final chapter of Callas' life in 1977, marked by substance abuse, a failing voice, and severe weight loss, leading to her tragic death at 53 in Paris. Angelina Jolie's portrayal captures this poignant period, highlighting the struggles of a once-great opera diva.

Jolie, who has faced intense scrutiny since her 2016 divorce from Brad Pitt, connects deeply with Callas' vulnerability, drawing parallels to her own life. Reflecting on filming, she said, ‘I was so nervous; my sons were there, and the door was locked to keep others out. I was terrified.’

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