Angelina Jolie’s Triumphant Return to Acting with Maria Marks a New Chapter

After an extended break from the screen, Angelina Jolie is making a celebrated return to acting with her performance in Maria, Pablo Larraín’s biographical film about the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. Jolie’s portrayal has already garnered critical acclaim, earning her nominations for the 2025 Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Awards. She is also considered a frontrunner for the Best Actress Oscar this season, signaling a major career resurgence.

A Dark Chapter in Jolie’s Life

In a candid interview with E! News, Jolie opened up about the personal struggles that led to her years-long hiatus from acting. The 49-year-old actress shared that she faced a difficult period during her time away, saying, “I went very dark for reasons I’d rather not explain, but I didn’t have a lot of light and life within me. Your light’s dim.”

Jolie explained that during this period, her focus shifted primarily to her family, which influenced her career choices. “The choice of what to work on and when was not a creative choice, often, the last few years, but sometimes the practical choice,” she revealed.

Known for her humanitarian work and commitment to her six children, whom she shares with ex-husband Brad Pitt, Jolie emphasized the importance of being present for her family during challenging times.

A Turning Point with Maria

Jolie described her role in Maria as a transformative experience, marking the start of a personal and professional revival. “Maria was the beginning of starting to come alive again,” she said. “I needed a lot of kind people around me to hold my hand.”

Her portrayal of Maria Callas has been praised for its depth and authenticity, with many considering it one of her most compelling performances to date.

Creativity Beyond the Screen

During her hiatus, Jolie remained involved in other creative endeavors. She co-produced the Broadway musical The Outsiders, which premiered in April 2024, and directed the war drama Without Blood, a film that received critical acclaim at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.

Her creative journey has also been a family affair. Jolie’s daughter Vivienne worked as her assistant on The Outsiders, while her sons Maddox and Pax contributed as production assistants for Maria.

A New Beginning

Jolie’s comeback reflects not just a return to acting but also a period of renewal in her personal life. As she steps back into the spotlight, her journey serves as a testament to resilience and the power of creativity to heal and inspire.