Angelina Jolie Gets 8-Minute Standing Ovation, Gets Emotional for ‘Maria’

Angelina Jolie is gearing up for a bustling awards season. The much-adored actress and filmmaker premiered her latest film, “Maria,” in which she stars as the iconic Maria Callas, at the Venice Film Festival. Directed by Pablo Larrain, the film received an overwhelming response, culminating in an eight-minute standing ovation that moved Jolie to tears.

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“Maria” debuted this past Thursday night at the Sala Grande Theatre in Venice. At the film’s conclusion, audience members rose to their feet, clapping and cheering for Jolie, who appeared deeply moved. She hugged Larrain and the rest of the cast and crew, a moment likely to ignite her Oscar campaign after years of producing films that haven’t received significant critical recognition.

Jolie reportedly learned to sing for the role, a challenge she considers one of the greatest of her illustrious career. “Everybody here knows, I was terribly nervous,” she admitted at a press conference while discussing her experience singing opera.

“I spent almost seven months training because 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 also disclosed that her children played a significant role in helping her stay calm and focused. “My first time singing, I remember being so nervous. My sons were there, and they helped lock the door so that nobody else was coming in, and I was shaky,” she shared.

“Pablo, in his decency, started me in a small room and ended me in La Scala. So he gave me time to grow.”

You can watch Jolie’s emotional moment below.

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Jolie also addressed the Oscar buzz surrounding her performance, making it clear that her primary focus was to honor Callas.

“My fear would be to disappoint [the fans],” she said. “If there’s a response to the work, I’m very grateful, but… I really came to care for her, so I didn’t want to do a disservice to this woman.”