Angelina Jolie’s Emotional Victory: ‘Maria’ Earns 8-Minute Standing Ovation at Venice Film Festival

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s ‘Maria’ received an 8-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, marking a tearful triumph for the actress.

Angelina Jolie and director Pablo Larraín captivated the Venice Film Festival with their film Maria, a biographical drama about opera singer Maria Callas. The premiere was met with an 8-minute standing ovation, with Jolie visibly moved by the audience’s reaction. This film marks Larraín’s third portrayal of a famous woman, following Jackie and Spencer.

Angelina Jolie’s latest cinematic venture, Maria, directed by the acclaimed Pablo Larraín, captivated audiences at the Venice Film Festival, earning an extraordinary 8-minute standing ovation. The biographical drama, which delves into the life of opera legend Maria Callas, premiered to a packed audience inside the historic Sala Grande, leaving many attendees visibly moved.

As the credits rolled, the audience erupted in applause, an emotional response that resonated throughout the grand theater. Videos capturing the event quickly spread across social media, showing a visibly touched Jolie, who was overcome with emotion. Dressed in an elegant custom-made beige gown, complemented by a luxurious fur stole, Jolie stood in awe of the crowd’s reaction. She was seen wiping away tears, at times turning her face away as the overwhelming cheers echoed around her.

The atmosphere inside the Sala Grande was nothing short of electric. Fans and critics alike were on their feet, chanting Jolie’s name, a tribute to her powerful portrayal of one of the world’s greatest opera singers. In a tender moment, her co-star Pierfrancesco Favino offered comfort as Jolie struggled to contain her emotions. Meanwhile, Larraín descended from the gallery to personally acknowledge the audience’s enthusiastic reception, waving gratefully as the applause continued.

Maria is a poignant exploration of the tumultuous and tragic life of Maria Callas, reimagined during her final days in Paris in the 1970s. The film marks Larraín’s third cinematic portrayal of a renowned woman, following the success of Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021), both of which also had their world premieres at Venice. Larraín’s latest project has once again proven his ability to craft deeply personal and resonant stories, bringing the inner lives of iconic women to the screen with sensitivity and nuance.

During a press conference earlier that day, Jolie shared her experience preparing for the role of Callas, a journey that included her first attempt at singing opera. The actress admitted that the prospect was daunting, noting that the rigorous preparation took nearly seven months. “Everybody here knows, I was terribly nervous,” Jolie confessed. “When you work with Pablo, you can’t do anything by half. He demands, in the most wonderful way, that you really do the work and you really learn and train.”

Jolie’s dedication to her craft is evident in the emotional depth she brings to the role, a commitment that has clearly paid off with the overwhelming response at Venice. The film’s premiere not only highlighted Jolie’s remarkable transformation into Callas but also underscored Larraín’s continuing influence as a director capable of eliciting powerful performances from his stars.

As the festival continues, Maria has undoubtedly set a high bar, both for its artistic achievement and for the emotional impact it has left on those fortunate enough to witness its debut. With the film’s reception at Venice, Jolie and Larraín have once again proven their formidable partnership, delivering a film that will surely resonate with audiences around the world.

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