Award-winning director Barry Jenkins had nothing but high praise for Angelina Jolie's performance in "Maria."
When comparing Jolie's portrayal of opera singer Maria Callas to other iconic roles Jenkins emphasized the actress' incredible talent and commitment to her character.
The performances of Denzel Washington as Malcolm X and Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg have garnered Oscar nominations, drawing comparisons to Jolie's role by Jenkins.
During a recent discussion at the AFI Festival, Jenkins said, "The performance is so striking," according to a video obtained by IndieWire.
"It's almost like, to me, Jesse Eisenberg is Mark Zuckerberg. Denzel Washington is Malcolm X, in a certain way. And I think you are Maria Callas in the same way. In this movie, you are performing with your whole body in so many moments."
Anticipation surrounds Jolie's upcoming movie "Maria," set to hit select theaters on November 27 and Netflix on December 11.
The movie will show Callas, who passed away in 1977 at the age of 53 in Paris due to a heart attack, "in her final days as the diva reckons with her identity and life."
In a question and answer potion at the festival, Jolie reflected on her experience filming the latest movie, marking her return to the screen after 2021's "Eternals."
She explained that this opportunity reignited her artistic fears, allowing her to embrace the thrill of uncertainty. Jolie further expressed gratitude for the chance to confront challenges, push boundaries, and discover new capabilities during the creative process.
In a subsequent part of the discussion, the "Tomb Raider" star mentioned, "I felt secure enough to take risks, which enabled me to express myself freely."
