At 49, Angelina looked stunning at the Santa Barbara Film Festival. Getty Images
Angelina Jolie stepped out on the evening of February 5 to receive the highest honor at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). Despite the cold and rainy weather, the actress appeared in high spirits, smiling as fans handed her bouquets of red and white flowers. She made her way down the red carpet to the Arlington Theatre, where the ceremony took place.
For the occasion, Jolie wore a stunning white satin dress with a low back, which she paired with a sleek blazer. Her long straight hair flowed loosely, complementing her signature red lipstick.
Jolie Receives the Modern Master Award
The 49-year-old actress was presented with the Modern Master Award, an accolade given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the film industry. The award was established in 1995 to honor those who have enriched culture through their work in cinema.
Jolie received this prestigious award for her performance in the 2024 film Maria, in which she portrayed the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. The movie, directed by Pablo Larrain, tells the story of Callas' life in the 1970s as she faced personal struggles in her final days in Paris. Although Maria was initially considered a contender for the 2025 Oscars, it did not receive nominations, except for one in Best Cinematography.
Angelina Jolie takes part in the Maltin Modern Master Award ceremony. Getty Images
Family Life and Career Reflections
Jolie, a mother of six children—Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16—has always balanced her career with her family life. Despite her success in Hollywood, she has previously expressed that she would be content if she were to leave the industry altogether. "I think I’ve built a life, very full and separate from being an artist… So, if it was all gone tomorrow and I was just a mom and I was just working in the field, I would be very happy," she said.
Angelina dazzles in a beautiful backless dress. Getty Images
Jolie has also spoken about how her family has helped her cope with the pressures of her A-list status. "I went through a few years where I was unable to leave my home as much," she shared, adding that she had to focus on being with her family during challenging times. "You had to turn off certain aspects of yourself to be other things you need to be, at times."
Legal Battle with Brad Pitt
Jolie's appearance at the festival comes after a court hearing with her ex-husband, Brad Pitt. The former couple is currently in a legal dispute over their French winery, which has been a source of tension for some time.
