Award season buzz is building around Angelina Jolie for her role in Maria, streaming on Netflix starting December 11th. Jolie, who trained for seven months to sing for this film, shared her emotional journey and reflections on her career during a recent interview.

Jolie admitted she initially feared singing on stage, joking, “I thought the stage itself would burn the first time.” Her nerves eased when opera singers viewed the movie, marking a significant moment of relief and pride for the actress.

Reflecting on her career, Jolie noted how her perspective has evolved since winning her first Oscar 25 years ago for Girl, Interrupted. “The fun thing now is I text my kids and go, ‘Oh, guys, I got to do this crazy thing,’ and they’ll say, ‘Good luck, Mom.’ It allows me to enjoy it more,” she said. Jolie’s newfound confidence contrasts with her earlier experiences, where acting felt like a mix of excitement and chaos.

The evening was also a celebration of leading female performances, with nominees like Nicole Kidman and Pamela Anderson making bold appearances. Jolie was asked about her dog’s fame, to which she replied, “Nothing makes me happier than to be her accessory—feeling seen, feeling beautiful. That is powerful.”

Jolie is nominated for Best Lead Actress for her role in Maria, which she describes as a unique opportunity to deeply engage with her character. “I’ve been an actress for a long time, but this is the first time I’ve been able to sink my teeth into something,” Jolie expressed.

The event also highlighted Coleman Domingo, who received a standing ovation for his role in Sing Sing, a film centered on a prison’s performing arts program. Domingo, moved by the audience’s response, emphasized the importance of such programs, saying, “I hope more prisons can provide pathways like this for inmates.”

The evening’s nominations included actors like Timothy Chalamet, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Kieran Culkin, recognized for their performances in various films. Chalamet discussed the pressures of selecting roles after his success in Succession. “I didn’t feel any pressure. People talk about it, but I went with what felt right,” he explained.

Chalamet praised his chemistry with co-stars, which he described as organic. “We didn’t know each other before the project. There was no audition process. The director’s sister recommended me for the part, so I trusted that and went with it,” he shared.

The interview provided insights into the actors’ dedication and vulnerability in their craft. Jolie’s candidness about overcoming her fears, coupled with Chalamet’s emphasis on trust in his artistic choices, underscored the commitment actors bring to their work.

As the awards season unfolds, Maria and Sing Sing are expected to be strong contenders, with Jolie and Domingo’s performances setting high standards for their peers. Angelina Jolie’s candid reflections and Coleman Domingo’s heartfelt tribute to prison arts programs highlight the power of storytelling and the transformative impact of dedicated actors in the film industry.