Angelina Jolie is renowned globally for her work in the entertainment industry, philanthropy, and most importantly, her dedication to being a mother.
On Saturday evening, the Oscar-winning actress shifted the focus to her mother in a heartfelt speech as she received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 5th Annual Governors Awards, organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Jolie fondly remembers her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, as a passionate lover of art and film who supported her in all her endeavors. Bertrand would drive Jolie and her brother to auditions, always emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful work in the world of cinema. While she may not have been the best critic, Bertrand’s unwavering love and encouragement gave Jolie the confidence to pursue her dreams. Above all, Bertrand instilled in her daughter the value of living a life dedicated to serving others, a lesson that Jolie learned through her travels and experiences outside of her home.
The 38-year-old mother of six, who won Best Supporting Actress in 2000 for her role in “Girl, Interrupted,” has spoken emotionally about her mother on several occasions. Her mother, an actress and producer, was known for her humanitarian work with organizations like the All Tribes Foundation and Give Love Give Life. Jolie has teared up while talking about her mother at a press conference in London in 2008 and on an episode of “60 Minutes” in 2011, where she described her mother as “grace incarnate.”
In a heartwarming moment during an untelevised awards ceremony filled with emotional tributes, Angelina Jolie was recognized alongside legends like Steve Martin, Angela Lansbury, and costume designer Piero Tosi. Jolie also took the time to thank her famous partner, Brad Pitt, and their children, including their son Maddox who was in attendance. “Your support and guidance are what allow me to do what I love,” she expressed her gratitude to Pitt before turning to her son to say, “I won’t cry, I promise, Mad. I won’t embarrass you. You and your siblings bring me so much joy. Being your mother is the greatest honor in the world.”