Angelina Jolie recently shared her thoughts on the challenges of maintaining close friendships, revealing that her six children are her best companions these days. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival, where she was promoting her latest project, Maria, a biopic about the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, Jolie opened up to The Hollywood Reporter about her personal life and her return to the big screen after a three-year hiatus.

In the interview, Jolie confessed that she doesn’t have many close friends to lean on, especially at this stage in her life. She explained that she has experienced betrayal in the past, particularly from people who were not there for her family when they needed support the most. She noted, “I’ve had a few friends over the years not be there for my family in their hour of need. We are just a family.” She acknowledged that the pain of betrayal has shaped her view of relationships, making it difficult for her to build new, trusting friendships.

Jolie’s reflections on friendship were deeply personal, and she noted that the experience of being betrayed has influenced her decision to limit the people she allows close to her. “It’s very important for us to appreciate life,” she added, emphasizing the importance of cherishing the relationships she does have, especially with her children.

The actress, who has been a mother of six for years, expressed a desire to leave Los Angeles once her youngest children, twins Vivienne and Knox, turn 18 in July 2026. She plans to travel and spend time with family members wherever they may be across the globe. Jolie’s commitment to her family and her desire to create meaningful experiences with them are clear priorities in her life.

Despite her challenges with friendships, Jolie spoke about her career and the satisfaction she feels in returning to acting. She portrays Maria Callas in the upcoming film, a role that required significant preparation, including seven months of vocal training. Jolie shared that her first time singing for the film was a nerve-wracking experience, with her sons helping her through the process. “My sons were there and they helped to block the door that nobody else was coming in, and I was shaky,” she recalled.

Jolie also touched on a past relationship that had a negative impact on her, particularly regarding her singing. She mentioned that someone in her life at the time was not kind about her singing, and she ended up internalizing that person’s criticism. However, she expressed a sense of empowerment through the process of overcoming that negativity. “It feels powerful,” she said, emphasizing her strength in moving past such a damaging influence.

In her portrayal of Maria Callas, Jolie drew a parallel between her life and Callas’s, noting that both women shared an ability to trust very few people. Jolie pointed to the way Callas was surrounded by only a small inner circle, and how she, too, relates to that aspect of the legendary singer’s life. “I have a couple of people that I trust,” she said, acknowledging that her experiences with trust and betrayal have shaped her personal and professional choices.

Jolie’s reflection on vulnerability was poignant, as she described the parts of Maria Callas’s character she connected with the most. “The part of her that’s extremely soft, I share her vulnerability more than anything,” Jolie admitted. Through this role, she explores the softer, more vulnerable side of the iconic opera singer, a part of Callas’s character that may surprise many.

Ultimately, Jolie’s insights into her personal life and career reflect a deep understanding of the challenges of fame, motherhood, and navigating relationships. Despite the hardships she has faced, her focus remains on her family and the importance of genuine connections in her life.