Angelina Jolie’s Towering Portrayal of Maria Callas Puts Her in the Hunt for a Second Oscar

A Daring Performance in Pablo Larraín’s Final Trilogy Installment Stirs Oscar Buzz at Telluride

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas in Maria has taken center stage at the Telluride Film Festival, drawing both critical acclaim and Oscar buzz. Directed by Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín, Maria is the final chapter in his unofficial trilogy about remarkable women of the 20th century who met untimely ends. The film premiered just a day after its world debut at the Venice Film Festival, immediately positioning Jolie as a strong contender for the Best Actress category at the next Academy Awards.

Jolie’s Meticulous Preparation for the Role

Jolie’s role as Callas, one of the greatest opera voices in history, required an immense amount of preparation and dedication. Despite not being a trained singer, Jolie studied opera for months, performing the music that is heard in the film. Through innovative techniques, her voice was digitally blended with Callas’ original recordings, creating an authentic portrayal that resonates deeply with audiences. The seamless integration of Jolie’s voice with Callas’ ensures that the illusion is never broken, making the performance even more compelling.

A Deep Dive into the Life of Maria Callas

In Maria, Jolie portrays Callas as a woman in her early fifties, grappling with the loss of her once-powerful voice and the isolation of fame. The film delves into her struggles, depicting her as a figure haunted by her past and the unattainable standards of her prime years. Jolie’s portrayal captures the vulnerability and inner turmoil of Callas, a woman who, despite her global fame, felt trapped by the very talent that made her legendary. This nuanced performance highlights Jolie’s ability to embody complex, multifaceted characters, further solidifying her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses.

Critical Acclaim and Oscar Buzz

Critics at Telluride have lauded Jolie’s performance, predicting that it will earn her a nomination for Best Actress at the upcoming Oscars. This would mark her third Oscar nomination and a potential second win, following her Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Girl, Interrupted 25 years ago. The buzz surrounding Jolie is reminiscent of the acclaim received by Natalie Portman for her role in Jackie and Kristen Stewart in Spencer, both of whom were also directed by Larraín and earned nominations for their performances.

The supporting cast, including Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Valeria Golino, and Haluk Bilginer, has also received praise for their roles, each bringing depth to the narrative and enhancing the film’s emotional impact. Larraín’s direction, coupled with Steven Knight’s screenplay, crafts a compelling story that weaves together the highs and lows of Callas’ life, drawing audiences into her world.

A Contender in Multiple Oscar Categories

Beyond Jolie’s performance, Maria is expected to compete in several other Oscar categories. The film’s stunning costumes and jewelry, designed by Massimo Cantini Parrini, are likely to earn a nomination for Best Costume Design, while the cinematography by Ed Lachman, who was recently nominated for his work on El Conde, is also generating considerable attention. With Netflix acquiring the U.S. distribution rights, the streaming giant is expected to launch a robust awards campaign for the film, ensuring it remains a contender in multiple categories.

Conclusion

Maria not only showcases Angelina Jolie’s exceptional talent but also cements Pablo Larraín’s status as a director capable of bringing the stories of complex, real-life women to the screen in a deeply moving and impactful way. As the awards season unfolds, all eyes will be on Jolie as she vies for her second Oscar, adding yet another layer to her already illustrious career. The film, with its powerful performances and masterful storytelling, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Maria Callas and the artists who continue to bring her story to life.