Angelina Jolie Tries Frantically To Avoid Ex-Brad Pitt At Venice Film Festival

Director Pablo Larraín and Angelina Jolie graced the red carpet at the 81st Venice International Film Festival for the premiere of their highly anticipated film Maria.

The duo’s arrival at the Palazzo del Cinema sparked a frenzy among fans as they posed for photographers. Jolie, embodying the elegance of her character, the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, stunned in a flowing gown that captured the essence of timeless glamour.

Larraín, known for his biographical dramas, appeared relaxed as he accompanied his lead actress. The Chilean director’s previous works, including Jackie and Spencer, have earned him critical acclaim, and “Maria” is poised to continue that trend.

Behind the scenes, Jolie’s handlers worked furiously to prevent her from running into her ex, Brad Pitt, who is in also Venice to promote his new film. The former couple have been engaged in a years-long divorce over custody of their kids and their French winery.

Maria, which explores the final days of Callas’s life in 1970s Paris, has been generating buzz since its inception. Jolie’s transformation into the famed soprano has generated major Oscar talk.

Jolie‘s preparation for the role was intensive, spanning approximately seven months. The actress worked closely with opera singers and coaches to master the physicality and technique required to convincingly portray Callas. At a press conference preceding the premiere, Jolie revealed that the process became unexpectedly therapeutic.

“I had no idea how much I was holding in,” Jolie said, describing the emotional journey of finding her voice and expressing herself fully through the character. She also noted a surprising connection with Callas’s vulnerability, stating, “I share her vulnerability more than anything.”

The film’s cast includes Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher and Kodi Smit-McPhee. It is produced by Juan de Dios Larraín, Jonas Dornbach and Lorenzo Mieli.

On Wedensday, Netflix announced that it had secured distribution rights for Maria.