Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie is no stranger to speaking her mind, whether it’s about humanitarian issues, politics, or her deeply personal life experiences. At the San Sebastián Film Festival in Spain, where she was promoting her upcoming movie Couture, Jolie was asked about the state of the world—and she didn’t hold back.
Rather than avoiding the heavy questions, Jolie gave a candid and heartfelt response, reflecting on her concerns as both an artist and an American.
“I Love My Country, But…”
When pressed about her fears in today’s turbulent times, Jolie offered a strikingly honest statement:
“I love my country, but at this time, I don’t recognize my country. I’ve always lived internationally, my family is international, my friends, my life … My worldview is equal, united, and international. Anything anywhere that divides or limits personal expressions and freedoms from anyone, I think, is very dangerous.”
She stressed the importance of being careful with words in the current climate, describing these as “very, very heavy times we are living in together.”
Her words resonated with many, especially as the U.S. continues to face political and social divisions. Jolie refrained from pointing fingers at one political side but highlighted the broader dangers of division and the erosion of freedoms.
Jolie’s History of Advocacy
Jolie’s remarks are not surprising given her long-standing involvement in humanitarian causes. From 2001 to 2012, she served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). Later, from 2012 to 2022, she acted as a Special Envoy, advocating for displaced people across the globe.
Her worldview, as she explained, has always been international. With her career, family, and friendships extending far beyond American borders, Jolie has consistently stood for inclusivity, unity, and freedom of expression.
This global mindset is also reflected in her film projects, many of which are deeply tied to personal and human stories that extend beyond Hollywood glamour.
Couture: A Deeply Personal Role
At the festival, Jolie was there to promote Couture, a film by director Alice Winocour. In the movie, Jolie plays an American filmmaker who discovers she has breast cancer during Paris Fashion Week.
The role resonates with Jolie’s own life experiences. She has been open about her decision to undergo a preventive double mastectomy after losing both her mother and grandmother to cancer at young ages.
“I lost my mother and grandmother very young, so I chose to have a double mastectomy about a decade ago,” Jolie shared. “Those were my choices. I don’t say everybody should do it that way, but it’s important to have the choice. I don’t regret it.”
She further reflected on the vulnerability women face when dealing with breast cancer. “Anybody who’s gone through something feels vulnerable and alone. There is something particular about women’s cancers because [they] affect how we feel as women.”
A Tribute to Her Mother
In a deeply moving revelation, Jolie explained that she wore her late mother’s necklace throughout the film—and even carried some of her ashes.
“I thought about her a lot,” Jolie said. “I think everybody in this room has sat in a hospital room. Maybe some of you have been through heavier things. In the film, I would think about these moments and wish [my mother] had this community. I wish she were able to speak as openly as I’ve been and that people would respond as graciously as you have.”
This emotional connection between her personal life and her film role makes Couture one of Jolie’s most heartfelt performances yet.
Her Co-Stars in Couture
The film also stars Louis Garrel, Ella Rumpf, and Garance Marillier. Together, the ensemble brings life to a story that balances the elegance of Paris Fashion Week with the stark realities of illness, resilience, and love.
The mix of established and emerging talent has created significant buzz around the film, which is expected to draw critical acclaim for both its storytelling and Jolie’s powerful performance.
What’s Next for Jolie: Anxious People
While Couture is a heavy, emotional drama, Jolie’s next project will show a different side of her artistry. She is starring in Anxious People, based on David Magee’s 2019 novel of the same name.
Unlike Couture, this film is a comedy centered on a quirky group of people caught up in a bank robbery. Jolie’s co-stars include Aimee Lou Wood, Jason Segel, Carol Kane, Stephanie Allynne, Joanna Scanlan, Lennie James, and Jessica Gunning.
This shift to lighter material highlights Jolie’s versatility and her ability to move seamlessly between emotionally intense dramas and playful comedies.
The Balance of Art and Activism
Jolie’s career has never been just about film. It has always been about storytelling with purpose. Whether through her work with refugees, her advocacy for women’s health, or her film choices, she continually blends art with activism.
Her comments at the festival not only reflect her deep concern for the state of America but also her commitment to being a voice for unity, freedom, and compassion.
In an era where celebrities are often cautious about making political statements, Jolie stands out as someone unafraid to address the pressing issues of our time.
Conclusion – Jolie’s Voice Matters
Angelina Jolie’s words at the San Sebastián Film Festival struck a chord around the world. By saying, “I love my country, but I don’t recognize my country,” she voiced the feelings of many Americans grappling with division and uncertainty.
At the same time, she used the platform to shed light on personal struggles, women’s health, and the importance of community and compassion. Her upcoming projects, from the emotional Couture to the comedic Anxious People, show that Jolie remains as committed as ever to meaningful storytelling.
Through both her work and her activism, she continues to remind audiences of the power of honesty, courage, and connection.