The Venice Film Festival, renowned for its warm embrace of cinema’s brightest stars, witnessed an emotional moment last Thursday as Angelina Jolie received an eight-minute standing ovation during the world premiere of “Maria.” Directed by Pablo Larraín, this biographical drama delves into the complex life of Greek opera legend Maria Callas.
Jolie, visibly moved by the overwhelming response at Sala Grande Theatre, was seen wiping away tears, occasionally turning away from the audience as the magnitude of the moment seemed to overwhelm her. The rapturous reception not only highlighted the film’s potential resonance with audiences but also significantly positioned Jolie in the Oscar race for Best Actress. A nomination that would be her first in fifteen years since her 2009 nod for Clint Eastwood’s “The Changeling.”
The premiere of “Maria” was not just a testament to Jolie’s performance but also a celebration of her return to a leading role of profound depth and complexity. She was last honored with an Academy Award in 2000 for her supporting role in “Girl, Interrupted.”
The affection for Jolie began long before the screening, with dedicated fans camping out since Wednesday night, braving scorching temperatures to catch a glimpse of their idol on the red carpet. The actress reciprocated this admiration, engaging warmly with her fans signing autographs, taking selfies, and even sharing a poignant moment with a fan suffering from brittle bone disease.
“Maria” offers a poignant look into the last days of Maria Callas’s life in 1970s Paris, exploring her tumultuous, tragic, and yet beautiful journey. The film reunites Larraín with writer Steven Knight, marking their latest collaboration since the critically acclaimed “Spencer,” which premiered at Venice in 2021.
This film is the third in Larraín’s trilogy focusing on iconic women, following “Spencer” about Princess Diana and “Jackie,” which portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy’s life following her husband’s assassination. “Maria” draws parallels with “Judy,” the 2019 biopic of Judy Garland that won Renée Zellweger an Oscar, both depicting the intense pressures of fame.
During a press conference earlier that day, Jolie shared insights into her preparation for the role, which marked her first foray into singing opera. She spoke candidly about the rigorous seven-month training she underwent to embody Callas’s character authentically. “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 really learn and train.”
With its emotional premiere and strong critical reception, “Maria” is poised to be a significant contender this awards season. Netflix is set to release the film later this year, offering a broader audience the chance to experience Jolie’s transformative portrayal of Maria Callas.