Venice Film Festival: Jolie and Pitt's Separate Premieres Highlight Ongoing Rift
At the Venice Film Festival, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt showcased their new films on different days, avoiding a potential encounter. Their contrasting premieres and public appearances reflect their ongoing separation.
The 81st Venice Film Festival witnessed the separate premieres of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, highlighting the ongoing rift between the former Hollywood power couple. The festival's artistic director, Alberto Barbera, confirmed the deliberate scheduling to prevent any potential encounters on the Lido di Venezia, the island hosting the event.
Jolie, 49, premiered "Maria" on August 29, 2024, portraying opera legend Maria Callas. Her solo red carpet appearance showcased a beige chiffon gown and faux fur stole. The actress's performance garnered praise, potentially launching her into the best actress race. Jolie's dedication to the role was evident, as she spent seven months learning opera and Italian for the part.
Pitt, 60, arrived on August 31 for the premiere of "Wolfs," a comedy co-starring George Clooney. The event turned into a spectacle, with both actors entertaining fans and photographers. Pitt's girlfriend, Inés de Ramón, made a brief appearance but avoided the red carpet spotlight.
The contrasting nature of their premieres was apparent. While Jolie's event focused on her performance and emotional connection to the role, Pitt's premiere was characterized by lighthearted banter with Clooney and playful interactions with the crowd.
"There's a lot that I won't say in this room, that you probably know, or assume... I think I share her vulnerability more than anything."
This scheduling arrangement at Venice reflects the ongoing separation between the former couple, who filed for divorce in 2016 after 12 years together. Their last joint appearance at the festival was in 2007, during happier times when they attended the premiere of "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford."
The festival also highlighted the diverging paths of the ex-couple. Jolie spoke about her future plans, including spending time in Cambodia, while Pitt emphasized the importance of working with people he likes as he gets older.
Their ongoing legal disputes, including custody of their children and ownership of the Château Miraval winery in Provence, continue to make headlines. Recent reports suggest that Pitt is estranged from most of his children, who remain close to Jolie.
As the Venice Film Festival concludes, it serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics that persist in Hollywood's most high-profile separations, even years after the initial split.
