Angelina Jolie, an actress known for her powerful performances and humanitarian work, has once again captivated audiences with her latest film, Maria. The biopic, which tells the story of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, received a standing ovation at the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado on Monday, September 2. The overwhelming reception left Jolie visibly emotional as she acknowledged the audience’s applause, covering her mouth in disbelief and placing a hand over her heart in gratitude.
A Deeply Personal and Challenging Role
In Maria, Jolie takes on the complex and demanding role of Maria Callas, a woman whose life was as dramatic and passionate as the operas she performed. The film, directed by Pablo Larraín, delves into the intricate details of Callas’ life, highlighting her triumphs and tragedies. The project was acquired by Netflix, and its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on Thursday, August 29, was met with widespread critical acclaim.
Jolie’s preparation for the role was nothing short of intense. She spent seven months immersed in opera classes, working with some of the best vocal coaches and teachers in the industry. Additionally, she undertook Italian lessons to accurately portray Callas, who was known for her linguistic precision. Despite this extensive preparation, Jolie admitted that she was consumed with nerves on the first day of filming.
“I had seven months of opera classes, amazing teachers, and Italian lessons, along with a supportive team that were going to help me,” Jolie shared during a post-screening panel at Telluride. “But that morning, I was so nervous I was out of my mind. I just kept thinking, ‘I hope I can do justice to her voice and her legacy.’”
Jolie recalled the progression of the filming process, which began in an intimate setting with only a few people present. “There weren’t a lot of people in the room that day,” she explained. “It was just a small group, which was helpful because it allowed me to focus and find my voice as Callas without feeling too overwhelmed.” As the production continued, the scenes grew more elaborate, eventually involving more crew members, extras, and the grandeur of the iconic La Scala opera house in Milan. The production team was granted a rare four-hour window to film at the historic venue, adding an authentic touch to the movie.
“La Scala is a place of immense history and significance,” Jolie said. “Shooting there was both thrilling and intimidating. The weight of its legacy is palpable, and I wanted to honor that with every note I sang.”
Overcoming Personal Challenges and Past Insecurities
Jolie’s journey to embody Maria Callas was not just about learning to sing opera; it was also about overcoming personal insecurities. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on August 30, Jolie opened up about a difficult period in her life when someone close to her made her feel inadequate about her singing abilities. “I had somebody in my life who was not kind to me about singing,” she revealed, alluding to a past relationship. “It was a relationship I was in, and I just assumed I couldn’t really sing. I kind of adapted to this person’s opinion and carried that with me for a long time.”
Taking on the role of Callas required Jolie to confront and dispel those deeply ingrained doubts. “This film was a chance to reclaim my voice, both literally and figuratively,” she explained. “I had to believe in myself and let go of the negativity that had held me back for so long. It wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly freeing.”
The process of preparing for Maria also had a profound impact on Jolie’s personal growth. “Learning to sing opera was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done, but it also became one of the most rewarding. It pushed me beyond my limits and made me realize that I’m capable of more than I ever thought possible.”
Collaborating with Director Pablo Larraín
Jolie credited much of her confidence and success in the role to her collaboration with director Pablo Larraín. Known for his visionary approach to filmmaking, Larraín has a reputation for creating emotionally charged and visually stunning films. His previous works include critically acclaimed movies such as Jackie and Spencer, which also explored the lives of iconic women.
“Pablo is a brilliant director,” Jolie said during the Telluride panel. “He has this incredible ability to see the soul of a character and bring that to life on screen. From the very beginning, I knew I was in good hands. He made me feel safe and supported, which allowed me to fully immerse myself in the role.”
Jolie described how Larraín’s collaborative approach helped her navigate the challenges of portraying such a complex character. “I knew that as long as I gave my best, Pablo would be okay with it and somehow make it work,” she said. “He’s a kind person and very supportive, and that made all the difference. Even on days when I was struggling, he was there to guide me and remind me that I could do it.”
The trust and mutual respect between Jolie and Larraín were evident throughout the production. “It was a true partnership,” Jolie added. “We were both deeply committed to telling Maria’s story in a way that was authentic and respectful. That shared commitment made the experience incredibly fulfilling.”
A Family Affair: Jolie’s Sons Join Her on Set
The making of Maria was also a family affair, with Jolie’s two eldest sons, Maddox, 23, and Pax, 20, playing active roles on set. Both sons, whom Jolie shares with her ex-husband Brad Pitt, have followed in their mother’s footsteps by pursuing careers in film production. Maddox and Pax were involved in various aspects of the production, from assisting with logistics to providing emotional support during some of the film’s most challenging scenes.
Jolie spoke candidly about the unique experience of working alongside her sons on such an emotionally intense project. “I’m usually really good at stepping in and out [of character],” she said. “But this one was very, very different. It wasn’t just about the technical aspects of the role; it was about embodying a woman who experienced profound pain and loss. That kind of emotional depth is hard to shake off, especially when you’re sharing it with your children.”
Jolie acknowledged that filming these heavy moments with her sons present added another layer of complexity to her performance. “It wasn’t that I was nervous to sing in front of them, which I was,” she admitted. “It was that parents don’t show that level of grief to their children, ever. As a mother, you want to protect your kids from seeing you in pain, but in this case, I had to let them in. It was a very vulnerable experience.”
Despite the challenges, Jolie described the experience as a deeply rewarding one that brought her closer to her sons. “Through it all, they would give me a hug, and we’d have tea together. It became this beautiful thing of communicating on a deeper level about pain and healing. We had some incredibly honest and meaningful conversations that I think we’ll all carry with us for the rest of our lives.”
A Star-Studded Festival: Celebrating Cinema at Telluride
The Telluride Film Festival is known for its intimate and laid-back atmosphere, where filmmakers and audiences come together to celebrate the art of cinema. This year, Jolie was among a host of prominent figures who attended the festival to showcase their latest works.
In addition to Jolie’s Maria, the festival featured a diverse lineup of films, including Pharrell Williams’ documentary Piece by Piece, which explores his creative journey and artistic process. Naomi Watts also made an appearance with her film The Friend, while Danielle Deadwyler, Malcolm Washington, and Pauletta Washington presented their adaptation of the classic play The Piano Lesson.
Jolie was seen mingling with fellow artists, sharing insights and stories from their respective projects. “Telluride is such a special place,” Jolie said. “It’s one of the few festivals where you can really connect with other filmmakers and audiences in a meaningful way. There’s no red carpet, no paparazzi—just people who love movies and want to celebrate them.”
What’s Next for Maria?
Maria is set to be distributed by Netflix, though an official release date has not yet been announced. Given the film’s strong reception at both the Venice and Telluride festivals, it’s expected to be a major contender in the upcoming awards season.
Critics have praised Jolie’s performance as one of the best of her career, noting her ability to capture the essence of Maria Callas while bringing her own unique interpretation to the role. The film’s exploration of Callas’ life, particularly her struggles with love, loss, and identity, has resonated with audiences and sparked discussions about the pressures faced by women in the spotlight.
As anticipation builds for the film’s release, Jolie has expressed her hope that Maria will inspire audiences to learn more about Callas’ life and legacy. “Maria Callas was an extraordinary woman who lived a life full of passion, artistry, and sacrifice,” Jolie said. “I hope this film will introduce her story to a new generation and remind people of the incredible impact she had on the world of opera and beyond.”
In the meantime, fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting more details about the film’s release. Whether Maria will secure a place among the year’s top films remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Angelina Jolie has once again proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of cinema.
