In a stunning display of admiration, Pablo Larraín's latest film "Maria," featuring Angelina Jolie in the lead role, received a resounding 10-minute ovation during its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The biopic, centered around the iconic opera singer Maria Callas, captivated the audience with its poignant portrayal of a woman who sacrifices her voice and her life for her passion.

At the premiere, Larraín and Jolie were joined by Pierfrancesco Favino and Alba Rohrwacher, who deliver captivating performances in supporting roles. The emotional impact of the film left the crowd inside the Sala Grande visibly moved, even leading them to chant Jolie's name in appreciation for her outstanding portrayal of Maria Callas.

Earlier in the day, the film's cast and crew attended a press conference, where Larraín hailed Callas as "the greatest voice in history who had a very beautiful and difficult life." He also acknowledged Jolie's indispensable contribution to the project, stating, "Of course, this movie wouldn't exist without Angelina."

Jolie, who had never sung publicly before taking on the role of Maria, dedicated seven months to training for the challenging task. Despite her extensive preparation, she admitted to feeling "terribly nervous." When asked about her connection to Callas' tragic journey, Jolie expressed, "I think the way I related to her was probably the part of her that is extremely soft and doesn't have room in the world to be as soft as she was, as emotionally open as she truly was... I share her vulnerability more than anything."

"Maria" marks the third collaboration between Larraín and Jolie, following their successful works "Jackie" in 2016 and "Spencer" in 2021, both of which premiered at the Venice Film Festival as well. The director's unique ability to delve into the lives of famous women and portray their captivating stories continues to garner critical acclaim.

Following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, "Maria" is set to grace the screens at the highly anticipated New York Film Festival. The film's reception at Venice and the subsequent anticipation surrounding its New York screening confirm the universal appeal of Maria Callas' extraordinary journey and the remarkable performances by the stellar cast.

As audiences eagerly await the wider release of "Maria," Larraín's latest masterpiece promises to be a cinematic experience that combines breathtaking performances, profound emotion, and an intimate exploration of the enigmatic life of a true legend.