Angelina Jolie became the center of attention at the Venice Film Festival as she received a heartfelt standing ovation during the premiere of "Maria," Pablo Larraín's biographical drama showcasing the life of Greek opera singer Maria Callas. The highly prestigious Sala Grande Theatre was filled with emotion as Jolie was moved to tears by the eight-minute applause from the audience.

The actress's overwhelming reception brought back memories of another iconic standing ovation in Venice that propelled Brendan Fraser's career comeback with "The Whale" in 2022. As Jolie wept through the applause, it was evident that her captivating performance in "Maria" had struck a chord with the festival-goers.

The excitement surrounding Jolie's presence began 24 hours before the screening, as avid fans camped out overnight to catch a glimpse of the star on the red carpet. Braving scorching temperatures, Italians patiently awaited Jolie's arrival, armed with tents and umbrellas. The actress graciously interacted with fans, signing autographs and taking selfies, demonstrating her genuine connection with her dedicated supporters.

"Maria" marks a collaboration between Larraín and writer Steven Knight, who previously presented their project "Spencer" at the Venice Film Festival in 2021. The film vividly depicts the tumultuous and tragic life of Maria Callas, delving into her final days in 1970s Paris. Just ahead of the premiere, it was announced that Netflix had acquired the U.S. distribution rights for the film, adding to the anticipation and buzz surrounding the project.

During a press conference earlier in the day, Jolie spoke about her preparation for the role of the renowned soprano, highlighting that it was her first time singing in a role. She candidly admitted to feeling nervous and shared that she dedicated almost seven months to rigorous opera training, emphasizing Larraín's drive for uncompromising dedication to the craft.

Besides Jolie, the star-studded cast of "Maria" includes Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Stephen Ashfield, and Valeria Golino. Maria Callas, an American-born Greek soprano singer, remains one of the most notable opera singers of the 20th century. Born in Manhattan, Callas received her opera training in Greece at a young age and later established herself in Italy.

Throughout her career, Callas faced numerous challenges, including near-sightedness that severely impaired her vision and various scandals in her personal and professional life. Her rivalry with Italian opera singer Renata Tebaldi and her affair with Aristotle Onassis, who went on to marry Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, added layers of intrigue to her already extraordinary life.

Larraín, in his director's statement, described Callas as the greatest opera singer of all time and expressed his passion for portraying her unique, beautiful, and tormented life. "Maria" focuses on celebrating her final days, capturing the essence of her memories, friendships, and most importantly, her breathtaking singing.

Interestingly, it was in Venice where Callas experienced a turning point in her career in 1949. Stepping in to replace an ill singer, she astonished the audience by seamlessly performing both the demanding roles of Brünnhilde in Wagner's "Die Walküre" and Elvira in Bellini's "I Puritani" in the same season. This remarkable achievement left a lasting impression on the opera community.

Speculation mounted regarding a potential encounter between Jolie and her ex-husband Brad Pitt, who also had a film, "Wolfs," showcased at the festival alongside George Clooney. However, festival director Alberto Barbera dismissed any rumors, clarifying that their appearances were scheduled separately, with Jolie departing after the "Maria" premiere on August 29th and Pitt arriving two days later.

With an emotional standing ovation, triumphant premiere, and a powerful portrayal of Maria Callas, Angelina Jolie's presence at the Venice Film Festival continues to captivate audiences and reaffirm her status as a revered actress in the industry.

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