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On January 3, 2025, Angelina Jolie won the Desert Palm Achievement Award for her portrayal of the famous opera legend Maria Callas in Maria at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The award was presented to her by her godmother, the British actress Jacqueline Bisset, and it was such a heart-touching moment.
Bisset, 80, then took the stage and introduced Jolie, 49, lovingly: “It is such a thrill to be here with you tonight to present this award to Angelina Jolie, who just happens to be my goddaughter, and whose mother Marcheline was one of my dearest friends”. She expressed being super proud of Jolie’s career, philanthropic work, and being a remarkable mom.
I’m so grateful to our director Pablo Larraín,” Jolie said during her acceptance speech. “I was so scared to do this film. It was a privilege to be on this journey with you. The freedom to express and create is the greatest.” Jolie next spoke directly to her daughter Zahara, 19, who joined her at the event. “I’m all right because when I walk off this stage, I am more myself because of you, Zahara, and your brothers and sisters.”
Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín, delves into the life of Maria Callas, with Jolie receiving critical acclaim for her performance. The film is set to be released after its premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 29, 2024. It will later hit some theaters in the United States on November 27, 2024, ahead of streaming on Netflix on December 11. It was released theatrically in Italy on January 1, 2025, and will hit the United Kingdom and Ireland on January 10 and Germany on February 6.
For Jolie’s transformation into Callas, it took seven months of vocal training to get into the skin of the opera singer. She described the experience as therapeutic, really helping her get into the skin of the character.
The Desert Palm Achievement Award is a major award under the Palm Springs International Film Festival given to actors who have rendered outstanding acting performance. “Maria presents the iconic Angelina Jolie in the role of a lifetime as she embodies Maria Callas, the world-renowned opera legend. Jolie’s extraordinary portrayal captures the heart and complexity of an artist whose life was as captivating as her music,” said Nachhattar Singh Chandi, Festival Chairman.
The event not only underlines Jolie’s professional success but also reveals the special relationship she has with her godmother. Bisset, who has been a family friend for years, was asked by Jolie’s mother, Marcheline Bertrand, to be Jolie’s godmother before she was born. The years have not weakened their relationship, with Bisset even expressing pride in what Jolie is and what she has achieved.
Maria currently plays in theaters and streams on Netflix, giving an intimate look into the life of Maria Callas through the powerful performance by Jolie.
