Angelina Jolie Admits Lying About Singing Skills to Land Role of Maria Callas

Angelina Jolie has revealed a surprising truth about her role as opera legend Maria Callas in the upcoming biopic directed by Pablo Larraín. The Hollywood star confessed to "lying" about her singing abilities to secure the part, despite having no prior experience. With the film already garnering critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination, speculation is mounting that this performance could position Jolie for an Oscar nomination in March 2025.

Speaking at the Palm Springs Film Festival in an interview with Variety, Jolie shared how a dismissive remark about her vocal skills in the past made her self-conscious, leading her to suppress that aspect of herself. Reflecting on her journey, she explained, “I had never sung. I had somebody once tell me I couldn’t sing or be a little dismissive when I was singing once, and it really shut me down. I never told anybody, but it was part of my life that I just blocked.”

The actress recounted her interaction with Larraín when he offered her the role of Callas. When asked if she could sing, Jolie admitted she responded dishonestly. “I lied,” she said. “Can you ride a horse?’ ‘Yes.’ Obviously, nobody can sing like Maria. No one. But I’ll do my best.”

Overcoming Challenges and Rediscovering Her Voice

Jolie has been candid about the challenges she faced while preparing for the role. In a roundtable discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, she discussed how intensive singing lessons not only prepared her for the demanding role but also helped her reconnect with a part of herself that had been long suppressed.

She noted how life experiences, including motherhood and personal loss, have impacted her voice. Training for the film, she said, became a healing process. “Rediscovering my voice was a journey of self-acceptance and embracing imperfections,” Jolie remarked.

Advice for Aspiring Artists

Drawing on her own experiences, Jolie also shared advice for aspiring actors. “There’s a lot to focus on just having a career — if you love theater, you can do readings at home in your pajamas," she advised. "You don’t have to get that job. Find the ways to just live as an artist, be around artists, but also live a very full life.”

This perspective is in line with Jolie’s personal philosophy of taking risks and embracing life’s complexities. As she recently finalized her divorce from Brad Pitt after an eight-year legal battle, Jolie’s reflections on resilience and artistry resonate deeply.

A Performance to Watch

As anticipation builds around Larraín’s biopic, Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas is already generating buzz. Known for her dedication to challenging roles, Jolie’s willingness to step out of her comfort zone may prove to be her defining artistic achievement. Whether the Academy will take notice remains to be seen, but Jolie’s journey to rediscover her voice and overcome insecurities is already an inspiring story of artistic transformation.