Angelina Jolie gets emotional as she honors her late mother in moving Gotham Awards speech
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Angelina Jolie delivered an emotional speech at the Gotham Awards on Monday, December 2, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
The 49-year-old Oscar-winning actress accepted an honor for her portrayal of opera legend Maria Callas in the Netflix biopic 'Maria' and also reflected on her mother, Marcheline Bertrand's life.
Angelina Jolie's tribute to her late mom Marcheline Bertrand
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Paying homage to the opera star she portrays in director Pablo Larrain’s intimate film, Angelina Jolie began, "It's wonderful to be here in New York, where Maria Callas was born and lived most of her life, on what would have been her 101st birthday."
“I’m very honored to be here with fellow artists, celebrating independent filmmaking,” she added.
Jolie’s voice cracked with emotion as she shared personal anecdotes about her late mother, Bertrand, who died in 2007 after a battle with ovarian cancer.
"I grew up with a mother who kept books inside the oven because there were more books in our house than shelves in the apartment we had," she recalled.
"And it was how she solved the problem, while still making sure we were fed," she added.
"She took me to theater. She told me about meeting Tennessee Williams, and she introduced me to the Lee Strasberg Institute, where I would later study," the actress said.Angelina Jolie on the joy of passing on a legacy
Angelina Jolie reflected on the joy of seeing her own daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, embrace the arts. At just 16, Vivienne helped produce the Tony Award-winning musical 'The Outsiders'.
"I experience now the joy of seeing my own daughter love theater and get involved," Jolie shared, highlighting how formative experiences shape future generations of artists.
She emphasized the importance of arts education in schools, expressing concern over dwindling programs.
“Art is a way we come together to know each other, to laugh with each other, and to understand each other. It’s why it’s so important that art is taught in our schools,” the actress noted.
Angelina Jolie on channeling Maria Callas
Angelina Jolie connected the challenges of artistry with the life of Maria Callas, praising the legendary opera singer’s discipline and perseverance.
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"As Maria knew, art isn’t easy. It requires skill and training and discipline and preparation, and it can be lonely at times," Jolie said.
She admired Callas’ commitment to her craft, describing how the opera star would “straitjacket” herself to master her art.
Quoting Callas, Jolie reminded the audience, "Keep going, not with fireworks, not with an easy applause, but with the expression of words and your true feeling, whatever it is."
Concluding her speech with a heartfelt dedication, she said, "In Maria’s memory, thinking of my mom, and for all those who teach and inspire art in others—young artists growing up and everyone in this room who celebrates creativity and expression."
"I am really, really honored to be here with all of you and to be a part of this community," she added, according to People.
