Angelina Jolie mirrored on the function of her late mother Marcheline Bertrand in her life and success.
The actress delivered a heartfelt tribute to her mom, whereas accepting the Performer Tribute Award on the 2024 Gotham Awards.
The ceremony came about on December 2 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, the place Jolie was honoured for taking part in opera singer Maria Callas within the acclaimed movie Maria.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Jolie, 49, shared how Bertrand’s love for the humanities formed her.
“I grew up with a mom who stored books contained in the oven as a result of there have been extra books in our home than cabinets within the house we had,” she recalled.
“And it was how she solved the issue, whereas nonetheless ensuring we have been fed. But it was her precedence.”
Bertrand, who handed away in 2007 from ovarian most cancers on the age of 56, launched Jolie to the humanities early on.
“[My mom] took me to the theater. She informed me about assembly Tennessee Williams, and he or she launched me to the Lee Strasberg Institute, the place I might later research,” Jolie shared, including, “I now expertise the enjoyment of seeing my very own daughter love theater and become involved.”
Jolie additionally acknowledged her youngest daughter, Vivienne, 16, who helped produce The Outsiders musical, which gained Best Musical on the 2024 Tony Awards.
“For many people, these early influences are what nurture us and form us as artists and folks, and it’s so essential,” Jolie mentioned.
She emphasised the vital function of arts schooling, including, “It’s why it’s so essential that artwork is taught in our faculties — and so regarding that a lot of these packages are being diminished.”
Jolie concluded her speech with gratitude for her mom and others devoted to fostering creativity.
“In Maria’s reminiscence, considering of my mother,” she mentioned, “for all those that educate and encourage artwork in others, all of the younger artists rising up, and everybody on this room who celebrates creativity and expression, I’m actually, actually honored to be right here with all of you and to be part of this neighborhood.”
