Watch Angelina Jolie fight back tears during 8-minute standing ovation for 'Maria' at Venice Film Festival

VENICE, ITALY: Angelina Jolie was visibly moved by the overwhelming reception of her latest film, 'Maria', at the Venice Film Festival.

The actress, who portrays legendary opera singer Maria Callas in the film directed by Pablo Larraín, received an eight-minute standing ovation at the premiere held on August 29, 2024, at the Sala Grande Theater, as reported by PEOPLE.

The extended applause brought Jolie to tears as she took in the audience's heartfelt appreciation.

Angelina Jolie overwhelmed by standing ovation for 'Maria'

During the emotional moment, Jolie, 49, wiped away her tears and momentarily turned her face away from the crowd. She embraced Larrain, 48, and her fellow cast members as they shared in the audience's enthusiastic response.

The powerful display of support was captured in videos shared widely on social media. Variety’s Editor-in-Chief, Ramin Setoodeh, remarked on X (formerly Twitter) about the standing ovation, comparing it to the fervent applause Brendan Fraser received for 'The Whale' two years ago.

For the premiere, Jolie stunned in a custom strapless beige gown by Tamara Ralph, featuring a fur stole, romantic drapery, and a pleated skirt hem. She complemented the look with a bold red lip and matching nails, creating a striking contrast with her monochromatic outfit.

In the press conference prior to the screening, per The Hollywood Reporter, Jolie spoke candidly about the personal impact of her role. "Playing Maria provided me with the therapy I didn’t realize I needed," she revealed.

Jolie explained that the role was not just a technical challenge but an emotional journey that required her to fully invest herself. "I had no idea how much I was holding in and not letting out, So the challenge wasn’t the technical, it was an emotional experience to find my voice, to be in my body, to express. You have to give every single part of yourself,” she added.

Ahead of filming in 2022, Jolie spoke about her commitment to the role, saying, "I take very seriously the responsibility to Maria's life and legacy. I will give all I can to meet the challenge. Pablo Larraín is a director I have long admired. To be allowed the chance to tell more of Maria's story with him, and with a script by Steven Knight, is a dream."

Larrain remarked, "Having the chance to combine my two most deep and personal passions, cinema and opera, has been a long-awaited dream. To do this with Angelina, a supremely brave and curious artist, is a fascinating opportunity. A true gift."

The film explores the "tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic journey of the world's greatest opera singer, reimagining her final days in 1970s Paris," according to a press release.

Netflix has secured the rights to 'Maria', though a release date has yet to be set.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to appear separately at Venice Film Festival

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have been engaged in a protracted and contentious divorce battle since their separation in 2016. They are set to appear separately at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, which runs from August 28 to September 7.

Pitt will attend the initial screening of his upcoming thriller-comedy film, 'Wolfs'.

Internet tells Angelina Jolie 'the Oscar is yours'

Angelina Jolie’s performance in 'Maria' has ignited a wave of excitement online following an eight-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. The emotional reaction from the audience at the Sala Grande Theater on August 29, 2024, has captivated fans and critics alike.

Social media has been abuzz with praise for Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas. One user expressed their support by simply stating, "She deserves it."

Another enthusiastically declared, "That Oscar is yours, Angelina."

"Real Queen," one user wrote.

Another noted, "I was looking at this video and you can see how overwhelmed and gracious Angelina Jolie is. Just like Brendan Fraser, they both come across so shy and humble. I hope Angelina Jolie, like Brendan Fraser, gets all the accolades she richly deserves."

A fan of Jolie shared their excitement at the honor, saying: "That's what I call getting the recognition you deserve." 

While another called her humble. "Crazy thing about Angelina she's so humble and really wants them to stop clapping but they think she wants it."

One social media user couldn't believe that the audience clapped for so long and seems like even Jolie could not understand the warmth she was being showed. "If people clapped at me for 8 minutes id probly have a panic attack but im so happy for her."

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