Standing ovation Venice film festival for Angelina Jolie? Oh Yes!
The Venice Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film events globally, never fails to deliver memorable moments.
This year, the 81st edition of the festival once again witnessed a spectacular event that has already left an indelible mark on the hearts of those in attendance.
The highlight of the evening was the standing ovation Venice Film Festival audience gave to Angelina Jolie during the world premiere of Maria, a biographical drama directed by Pablo Larraín.
This moment was not just another applause—it was a rapturous, heartfelt tribute that lasted for an impressive eight minutes and rapturous applause, showcasing the emotional (for example: Angelina Jolie cries of happy) connection between the audience and the star.
The emotional impact of standing ovation Venice film festival
As the final credits of Maria rolled, the Sala Grande Theatre erupted in applause. The standing ovation Venice Film Festival attendees offered was more than just a sign of appreciation; it was an outpouring of love and admiration for both Angelina Jolie and the story of Maria Callas, the legendary Greek opera singer.
Jolie, oscar winning actress, overwhelmed by the reaction, was seen wiping away tears as she hugged Larraín and the rest of the cast. It was a poignant moment, reminiscent of the standing ovation Brendan Fraser received for his role in The Whale in 2022, which also became a career-defining moment.
The emotional response Jolie elicited from the audience was palpable. It was a testament to her powerful portrayal of Maria Callas, a role that required her to delve deep into the tumultuous and tragic life of the opera icon. This performance not only reaffirms Jolie's place in the pantheon of great actors but also sets the stage for what could be a serious Oscar campaign.
Standing ovation Venice film festival for Angelina Jolie: A festival of fandom
The standing ovation Venice Film Festival audience gave was preceded by a wave of enthusiasm that began long before the film's premiere. Jolie's fans, some of whom had camped outside the theatre for 24 hours, were eager for a glimpse of the star.
Despite the sweltering heat, these dedicated fans waited patiently, and their perseverance was rewarded when Jolie arrived, graciously signing autographs, taking selfies, and even spending time with a fan with brittle bone disease who had been brought to the carpet on a bed.
This act of kindness amidst the flashing cameras further endeared her to the public and added to the emotional gravity of the evening.
The legacy of Maria and its place in Larraín's Trilogy
Maria is the third installment in Pablo Larraín’s trilogy of films about iconic women, following Jackie (2016), which chronicled the life of Jacqueline Kennedy after JFK’s assassination, and Spencer (2021), a dramatized account of Princess Diana’s life.
In Maria, Larraín, along with writer Steven Knight, takes on the task of re-imagining the life of Maria Callas during her final days in 1970s Paris. The film paints a vivid picture of the opera singer's tumultuous life, bringing to the forefront her struggles and triumphs.
The standing ovation Venice Film Festival audiences gave is a reflection of the film's impact. Larraín's ability to delve into the personal lives of these iconic women, exploring their vulnerabilities and strengths, has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Maria at times draws parallels with Judy (2019), where Renee Zellweger portrayed Judy Garland in a role that won her an Oscar. Jolie’s portrayal of Callas is expected to follow a similar trajectory, possibly leading her to her first Oscar nomination in 15 years.
Preparing for the role: Jolie’s commitment
At a press conference earlier in the day, Jolie opened up about the challenges of preparing for the role of Maria Callas. Taking on the part of one of the world’s greatest opera singers required a level of dedication that pushed Jolie to her limits.
"Everybody here knows, I was terribly nervous," she confessed, referring to the intense preparation she underwent to sing opera for the first time. Jolie spent nearly seven months training, a testament to her commitment to authenticity in her portrayal.
Larraín’s demand for perfection inspired her to fully immerse herself in the role, resulting in a performance that moved the Venice audience to tears.
Angelina Jolie's tearful triumph: Standing Ovation at Venice Film Festival for Maria
The 81st Venice International Film Festival became a night to remember when the academy award-winning actress Angelina Jolie received a rapturous standing ovation at the world premiere of Maria, the latest biographical drama by Pablo Larraín.
As the film concluded, the audience in the iconic Sala Grande erupted in an eight minute standing ovation, moved by Jolie's powerful portrayal of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. The standing ovation Venice attendees offered was filled with emotion, as Jolie, who has previously won an Oscar for Girl, Interrupted, was visibly overcome with tears.
The applause not only celebrated Jolie's performance but also fueled early reviews and Oscar buzz for the movie. During a press conference earlier in the day, Jolie had discussed the challenges of embodying Callas, especially the opera singer's life during her final days.
This new film marks another collaboration between Larraín and Jolie, following the success of Jackie, and is poised to become a critical darling. The world premiere of Maria at Venice has set the stage for what could be another Oscar-winning role for Jolie, as the standing ovation for Maria has now become one of the most talked-about moments of this year's Venice International Film Festival.
Venice film festival standind ovation: A night to remember
The standing ovation Venice Film Festival audience gave to Angelina Jolie was not just a tribute to her performance in Maria, but also a celebration of the power of cinema to evoke deep emotions.
As the festival continues, the echoes of that applause will undoubtedly linger, marking yet another unforgettable chapter in the rich history of the Venice Film Festival.
The event has once again proven its ability to spotlight extraordinary talent and set the stage for what is sure to be an exciting awards season ahead.