Angelina Jolie credits her late mother Marceline Bertrand’s role in her life and success.
The actress paid a heartfelt tribute to her mother while accepting the Performer Tribute Award at the 2024 Gotham Awards.
The ceremony took place on December 2 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, where Jolie was honored for her portrayal of opera singer Maria Callas in the acclaimed film. Maria.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Jolie, 49, explains how Bertrand’s love for the arts shaped her.
“I grew up with a mother who kept books in the oven because there were more books in our house than on the shelves in the apartment we had.” She remembers.
“And how he solved that problem, while making sure we were fed. But that was his priority.”
Bertrand, who died of ovarian cancer in 2007 aged 56, introduced Julie to the arts early on.
“[My mom] I was taken to the theater. He told me about meeting Tennessee Williams, and he introduced me to the Lee Strasberg Institute, where I would later study,” Julie added. I am happy to see him joining.”
Jolie also acknowledged her youngest daughter, Vivian, 16, who helped out with the production. Outsiders The musical, which won Best Musical at the 2024 Tony Awards.
“For many of us, these early influences are what nurture us and shape us as artists and people, and that’s very important,” Jolly said.
She emphasized the important role of arts education, adding, “This is why art education is so important in our schools — and why so many of these programs are being cut.”
Julie ended her speech by thanking her mother and others dedicated to fostering creativity.
“In memory of Maria, thinking of my mother,” he said, “to all those who teach and inspire others to art, to all the young artists who are growing up, And everyone in this room who celebrates creativity and expression, I’m really, really honored to be here with all of you and to be a part of this community.