Angelina Jolie, 49, Breaks Down in Tears at the Venice International Film Festival Days after She Was Spotted ‘So Hauntingly Sad’

The Academy Award-winning actress had an emotional night in Venice, where her latest film, “Maria,” took center stage.

The movie, which features Jolie in the role of the late opera singer Maria Callas, captivated audiences during the second night of the 81st Venice International Film Festival.

The event reached a high point when Jolie, 49, received an eight-minute standing ovation at the premiere held at the Sala Grande Theater on Thursday, August 29. The actress, known for her powerful performances, was visibly moved as the crowd applauded the film’s conclusion.

With tears in her eyes, Jolie wiped her face and briefly turned away from the audience, overwhelmed by the heartfelt reception. She embraced director Pablo Larraín, 48, and her fellow cast members as they absorbed the audience’s admiration.

Social media was abuzz with videos of the emotional scene, showing Jolie struggling to hold back tears during the applause. The “Maleficent” star appeared deeply touched by the roaring public response, pausing to thank her supporters as she tried to process the outpouring of love.

Fans captured her vulnerable side, showcasing a rare moment where Jolie’s stoic on-screen presence gave way to genuine emotion.

For the premiere, Jolie stunned in a custom strapless beige gown. The elegant dress featured a fur stole draped across her shoulders, enhancing the romantic and classic vibe of the ensemble. The gown’s silhouette flowed beautifully, with delicate drapery and a pleated skirt hem that added to the timeless look.

Jolie completed her outfit with a bold red lip and matching nails, creating a striking contrast against her muted, earth-tone attire. Her blonde hair was styled in a classic blowout, giving her a refined yet effortless appearance.

Jolie’s emotional night at the festival was only the beginning of her highly anticipated time in Venice. The three-time Golden Globe winner was first seen in Venice on Tuesday, August 27, stepping off a boat in a khaki-colored belted trench coat layered over navy bottoms.

She paired the look with dark sunglasses and black boots, letting her straight, blonde hair flow naturally over her shoulders.

Jolie’s appearance at the festival and her choice of wardrobe sparked a flurry of reactions online. While many praised her elegance, others questioned her outfit choices given the warm weather in Venice. One user wrote, “She always looks so hauntingly sad 😕.” Another commented, “She’s unhealthily thin looking.”

Some questioned her style, saying, “Boiling hot, why she got trench coat and winter boots on [sic].” Another added, “Walking around Venice yesterday so hot! All these celebs showing up in fall fashion [sic].” One fan expressed a mix of admiration and confusion, writing, “I have so much respect for Angelina, but it’s really hot in Italy..those boots are…”

There was also some confusion about the weather, as one person asked, “Is it already cold in US? Why Angelina is wearing a trench [sic]?” Others expressed concern, saying, “Scaryyy [sic].” Despite the mixed reactions, Jolie’s supporters were quick to defend her. One fan praised, “Age is just a number 💯,” while another concluded, “She is looking elegant.”

Jolie’s latest project, “Maria,” is part of the in-competition lineup at the Venice Film Festival. The biographical drama also stars Kodi Smit-McPhee, Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, and Haluk Bilginer.

The film depicts the dramatic, poignant, and heartbreaking journey of Callas, centering on her final days in 1970s Paris.

Jolie’s appearance at the Venice Film Festival came just two days before her ex-husband, Brad Pitt, was scheduled to arrive for the premiere of his film, “Wolfs,” set for Sunday, September 1.

Pitt, 60, will reunite with George Clooney for “Wolfs,” an action-thriller directed by John Watts, which will be shown out of competition. The movie, which focuses on two lone-wolf fixers assigned to the same job, adds yet another high-profile appearance to the Venice lineup.

However, due to Jolie and Pitt’s ongoing contentious divorce, the Venice Film Festival Artistic Director Alberto Barbera confirmed that their stars’ appearances were strategically spaced to avoid any potential run-ins.

“Angelina will be on the first day, on Thursday, [August] 29, and she will leave right after with Pablo Larraín to go to Telluride [Film Festival],” Barbera explained. “Brad will arrive only on Saturday, [in] Venice.”

Larraín, who previously directed critically acclaimed films such as “Spencer” and “Jackie,” praised Jolie’s dedication to her role.

“I am incredibly excited to start production on ‘Maria,’ which I hope will bring Maria Callas’s remarkable life and work to audiences all around the world, thanks to the magnificent script by Steven Knight, the work of the entire cast and crew, and, especially, Angelina’s brilliant work and extraordinary preparation,” the Chilean filmmaker said in a statement in October 2023.

Jolie herself opened up about the challenges of portraying Callas, admitting it was one of the most demanding roles of her career. “It was hard. I trained for months,” she shared in a recent interview.

“My first days, (Larraín) was very good to me in that we started in a more intimate setting with very few crew members. And we ended at La Scala with everyone. So I had a little time to get my nerve. But this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I was terrified,” noted the “Salt” alum.

Angelina Jolie’s recent emotional appearances and her dedication to her craft in “Maria” highlight her resilience in the face of personal challenges. However, behind the scenes, the legal strife between her and Brad Pitt continues to unfold, drawing in unexpected figures and creating fresh waves of tension.

Most recently, Jolie’s father, Jon Voight, has stepped into the fray, making a heartfelt public plea to Pitt amid the exes’ bitter legal battle.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s legal drama doesn’t seem to end anytime soon. The former couple have been stuck in courtrooms and custody battles for nearly eight years.

Their sprawling French winery has become a battlefield, with ownership and control as the primary weapons. In addition, the exes’ biggest struggle has been navigating the complex landscape of co-parenting their six children. They share Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16.

Allegations of physical abuse, tension-filled name changes, and the media frenzy swirling around the Jolie-Pitt clan have made the past few years challenging.

The situation has now gotten the attention of Angelina’s father. Speaking candidly to Fox News, the veteran actor delivered a message aimed straight at Brad, offering his thoughts on the ongoing family rift.

While Jon admitted that he doesn’t have as much contact with his grandchildren as he’d like, he remains crystal clear on one thing: the chaos has to end.

“I wish they’d find a way to make peace,” Voight said. “The kids need some stability. I love the kids, and I love my daughter. And I want Brad to step up to do, you know what he has to do. End this nonsense.”

Earlier this year, Brad found himself in an unexpected and slightly awkward encounter with Angelina’s brother, James Haven, and her father, Jon. The run-in occurred during a small gallery exhibition at the Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills, where Brad was enjoying a low-key date night with his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon.

According to an onlooker, the Oscar-winning actor was seen laughing and joking with a friend, just a few feet away from his former in-laws. The tension in the room was noticeable. Since the gallery space was small, many attendees picked up on the awkwardness of the situation.

While James acknowledged Brad, the two did not engage in any conversation and kept to separate groups for the remainder of the event. The source added that whispers circulated throughout the gallery about the surprising run-in. Many speculated that Brad was unaware his former in-laws would be attending the exhibition opening.

In 2021, Jon publicly extended his well wishes to Brad as the actor battled struggles with alcohol. Jon, who has been vocal about his hopes for peace within the family, shared his prayers for Brad.

At the time, Jon refrained from commenting on the ongoing court case between Brad and Angelina, stating that he had no comment. However, he did express his concern for Brad’s well-being, expressing his hope that Brad would overcome the difficulties.

Brad and Angelina were married for two years before Jolie filed for divorce in 2016. This was after an alleged physical altercation on a plane that marked the end of their 12-year relationship.

The former couple was declared legally single in 2019. However, their legal battles, particularly concerning their children and shared assets, have continued.