Jolie, who was walking the carpet, surprised all when she knelt down in her champagne-hued gown while meeting a bed-ridden fan. The actress was seen greeting the man and holding his hand as they exchanged some kind words.
Many onlookers took to social media to share videos of the touching moment for all to see. A post by Chris Gardner revealed that the bed-ridden man was the Italian writer Pasqualino Esposito, who suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder also known as “brittle bone disease.”
“Esposito has become a festival regular over the past few years, sources tell me, and he’s back at #Venezia81 this year to greet the stars. Angelina spent quality time with him and his father,” the tweet read.
However, it did not go down well with several netizens, who went on the comment section and said that it was all “for the cameras.”
A user said: “I feel this is inappropriate.”
One questioned: “Did she stage this ? or is it real?”
A netizen simply said: “All for the cameras.”
Jolie made a red carpet appearance ahead of the film’s first official screening, in competition, at the event. The outfit worn by the actress was by designer and couture house Tamara Ralph. The stunning gown had draped detailing and a short train, with the number finished off with an elegant, fluffy faux-fur stole and a gold floral pin.
She chose to keep her tresses open and completed her look with smoky eyes and a bold statement red lip.
‘Maria’ is the so-called conclusion to this trilogy of historical women, though Callas may be a bit less known to younger generations who weren’t around for the headlines and scandals. Born Maria Kalogeropoulos to Greek parents in New York, the singer made her professional debut in Athens as a 17-year-old.
During her brief life she became one of the greatest opera singers of all time with her unparalleled voice and stage presence. But the accolades also came with the intense scrutiny of her life in the public eye, whether it was her exacting demands and “diva” behavior, her weight or her romantic life. Callas famously had a relationship with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis who left her for Jackie Kennedy.
She died in Paris at age 53 after a heart attack.
The film also stars Valeria Golino as her sister Yakinthi, and Haluk Bilginer as Aristotle Onassis.
Angelina Jolie Moved to Tears at Venice Film Festival as Maria Receives Eight-Minute Ovation
