Angelina Jolie Shines at the 62nd New York Film Festival Premiere of 'Maria'
Angelina Jolie captivated audiences at the 62nd New York International Film Festival with an emotional and heartfelt appearance for the premiere of her latest film, *Maria*. The film, directed by Pablo Larraín, stars Jolie as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. The event took place at the prestigious Alice Tully Hall in Manhattan, where Jolie, 49, appeared with three of her six children, Pax, Zahara, and Maddox, drawing admiration from attendees.
A Classic Red Carpet Moment
Jolie dazzled on the red carpet in a timeless, elegant ensemble, posing alongside her children for commemorative photos. Her sophisticated look matched the gravity of the event, reflecting both her status as a global icon and her deep connection to the film's theme.
A Special Tribute to Maria Callas
Speaking on stage before the premiere, Jolie expressed her excitement to be part of the project and to share the moment with talented colleagues and friends. She passionately shared her thoughts on Callas, who passed away in her Paris apartment in 1977 at the age of 53, saying: "I am so happy to be here tonight, and I’m thrilled to share this moment with these talented and wonderful people, my dear friends. I hope you see in this film how much we cared for those we shared life with, and how much they loved art as well."
Jolie went on to highlight Callas' love for New York, where she performed and taught, saying: "I know she would have loved to be here tonight, to feel this connection and be with all of you who truly appreciate the life of an artist."
A Film About Resilience and Art
Jolie reflected on the strength of Maria Callas and her struggles, saying, "I wanted this film to capture how extraordinary she was as an artist. She was a fighter and a deeply emotional and passionate person."
Jolie's portrayal of Callas is a deep dive into the opera singer's tumultuous final days, touching on her passion for her craft and her emotional resilience. The film not only showcases Callas’ remarkable talent but also her struggles with love and life, including her well-documented affair with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who later married Jackie Kennedy.
Unfazed by Brad Pitt’s New Romance
In the backdrop of the event, news of Jolie’s ex-husband Brad Pitt’s relationship with Ines de Ramon had made headlines, following their red carpet debut at the Venice Film Festival. Jolie, however, seemed unfazed by the news. She even signed a fan’s poster from the 2005 film *Mr. & Mrs. Smith*, which she starred in with Pitt, demonstrating her grace and professionalism.
The Making of 'Maria'
The film *Maria*, which follows the final days of the iconic opera singer, was shot over eight weeks in various locations, including Paris, Greece, Budapest, and Milan. The screenplay was penned by Steven Knight, who also collaborated with Larraín on *Spencer*. In addition to Jolie, the cast features Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Valeria Golino, and others.
Finally, *Maria* not only brings Maria Callas' life back into the spotlight but also showcases Angelina Jolie’s remarkable acting range. As the film continues its journey through festivals, audiences can expect a powerful and emotional tribute to one of opera’s greatest legends.
