Angelina Jolie brought star power and family support to the New York Film Festival on Sunday, Sept. 29, when she graced the red carpet for the premiere of Maria. Accompanied by three of her six children—Pax (20), Zahara (19), and Maddox (23)—the Oscar-winning actress made a stunning entrance at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall.
Jolie, 49, donned a sleeveless white gown, exuding elegance as she posed alongside her children. Zahara mirrored her mother’s style in a white dress, while Pax looked dapper in a gray suit and tie. Maddox opted for a classic black suit and tie. Their appearance together highlighted the close bond within Jolie’s family.
Maria, in which Jolie portrays the iconic opera singer Maria Callas, has been earning praise across the film festival circuit. The biopic received standing ovations at both the Venice and Telluride Film Festivals, where Jolie was visibly moved by the audience’s response.
Reflecting on her role as Callas, Jolie shared at a press conference in August that preparing for the demanding role took months of work, particularly in perfecting her singing voice. She recalled the nerves she felt during her first attempt at singing, crediting her sons with helping calm her down. “I was terribly nervous; I spent almost seven months training,” Jolie revealed. “My sons were there and they helped block the door so that nobody else would come in, and I was shaky.”
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria explores the final week in the life of the legendary soprano, set in Paris in September 1977. The film follows Callas as she reflects on the complexities of her public persona, “La Divina,” and her private struggles as Maria, before her untimely death from a heart attack at age 53. The New York Film Festival’s synopsis described the film as being “punctuated by grand operatic interludes,” offering viewers a deep dive into the life of one of the most revered figures in opera.
Jolie’s appearance at the New York Film Festival follows her elegant showing at the Venice Film Festival on Aug. 29. In Venice, she wore a custom strapless beige gown by Tamara Ralph, complete with a fur stole and pleated skirt, styled with bold red lipstick and nails. The glamorous look was praised as she walked the red carpet, marking her triumphant return to high-profile film events.
In addition to promoting Maria, Jolie has been busy with Without Blood, a war drama she directed. The film was also showcased on the festival circuit, with Jolie attending the Toronto International Film Festival in a striking black Dolce & Gabbana gown paired with opera-style gloves. Son Pax, who worked on the production, accompanied her, further emphasizing the collaborative nature of their relationship.
Maria will be released in select theaters on Nov. 27, with a wider audience able to stream it on Netflix starting Dec. 11. As Jolie continues to shine on and off-screen, her portrayal of Maria Callas is shaping up to be another standout moment in her illustrious career.
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