The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is set to honour Angelina Jolie with its highest accolade, the Maltin Modern Master Award, on February 5, 2025. Recognizing her decades-long impact on film as an actress, director and humanitarian, SBIFF celebrates Jolie’s fearless artistry and dedication to stories that leave a lasting impression. Jolie’s most recent film, Maria, where she embodies opera legend Maria Callas, showcases her remarkable ability to capture the profound elegance and complexity of one of history’s most iconic voices.

MARIA. Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas in Maria. Cr. Pablo Larraín/Netflix © 2024.
Set against the opulent backdrop of Paris, Maria transports audiences to a time when the City of Light was as much a character as the iconic Callas herself. Jolie’s portrayal of the celebrated soprano is complemented by sumptuous visuals of Paris, evoking the beauty of grand theatres, timeless fashion and a cultural era defined by elegance. This powerful setting highlights Jolie’s ability to channel Callas’ intense emotional depth, her delicate vulnerability, and her strength as a performer beloved by millions yet profoundly haunted by personal struggles. Critics have widely praised Jolie for her transformative performance, which goes beyond mere acting to capture the very soul of the legendary diva.

MARIA. BTS – (L to R) Caspar Phillipson as JFK, Director Pablo Larraín and Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas on the set of Maria. Cr. Pax Jolie-Pitt/Netflix © 2024.
Film critic Leonard Maltin praised Jolie’s bold career choices and dedication to her craft, remarking, “Angelina Jolie makes bold choices, both as an actress and as a director. She sets the bar high in both disciplines and always comes through.” Established in 1995, the Modern Master Award is the festival’s highest honour and has previously been awarded to other cinematic trailblazers, including Cate Blanchett, Robert Downey Jr., Denzel Washington and Christopher Nolan.
Jolie’s cinematic journey spans iconic roles, including her Oscar-winning performance in Girl, Interrupted and her work in blockbuster films such as Maleficent and Salt. Behind the camera, she has directed powerful narratives, such as First They Killed My Father, Unbroken and Without Blood, which reveal her dedication to telling profound stories. Outside her film career, Jolie has also made significant humanitarian contributions, advocating for refugee rights, environmental conservation and education through the Maddox Foundation in Cambodia. Her sustainable fashion initiative, Atelier Jolie, furthers her commitment to creativity and empowerment.

MARIA. Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas in Maria. Cr. Pablo Larraín/Netflix © 2024.
The 40th SBIFF will take place from February 4 to 15, 2025, showcasing a vibrant lineup of screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and panels across Santa Barbara’s renowned venues, including the Arlington and Riviera Theatres. Last year, SBIFF presented over 200 films from 48 countries, attracting a distinguished slate of premieres and industry talent.
Images courtesy of SBIFF.
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