Angelina Jolie was the star of the night at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, where she received an overwhelming 8-minute standing ovation during the world premiere of Maria. The biographical drama, directed by Pablo Larraín, chronicles the life of legendary opera singer Maria Callas, with Jolie delivering a performance that left audiences in awe. Overcome with emotion, Jolie wiped away tears as the crowd chanted her name, recalling the memorable standing ovation that launched Brendan Fraser’s Oscar campaign for The Whale in 2022.
Jolie’s portrayal of Callas has already ignited Oscar buzz, marking her first serious contender for Best Actress in 15 years. The last time she was in the Oscar race was in 2009 for The Changeling, and she previously won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2000 for Girl, Interrupted.
The anticipation for Jolie’s appearance in Venice was palpable. Fans camped out 24 hours before the premiere, braving intense heat for a chance to see their idol. Jolie graciously interacted with her fans, including one with brittle bone disease, demonstrating her warm connection with her admirers.
Directed by Larraín and written by Steven Knight, Maria explores Callas’s tumultuous and tragic life, reimagined during her final days in 1970s Paris. Jolie’s commitment to the role, including seven months of opera training, showcases her dedication to bringing Callas’s story to life, making Maria one of the year’s most anticipated films.
