Angelina Jolie is getting candid about some of the difficulties of Hollywood.
During a conversation with Variety’s Clayton Davis at the 36th Palm Springs International Film Festival on Friday, Jan. 3, the Maria actress said she will “often stress that it’s really important to live a very full life” when she meets “young artists who ask me for advice.”
“There’s a lot to focus on just having a career — if you love theater, you can do readings at home in your pajamas,” continued Jolie, 49. “You don’t have to get that job. Find the ways to just live as an artist, be around artists, but also live a very full life. It’s sometimes not a healthy business.”
Added the Oscar winner, “It’s not the easiest place, and it’s not where you should give everything if you’re living a full life.”
Jolie, who was honored with the festival’s Desert Palm Achievement Award on Friday at the Palm Springs Convention Center, also addressed during the conversation with Davis the fact that she “had never sung” before being cast as opera legend Maria Callas in director Pablo Larraín’s biopic.
“I had somebody once tell me I couldn’t sing or be a little dismissive when I was singing once, and it really shut me down,” she said. “I never told anybody, but it was part of my life that I just blocked.”
“Then when Pablo asked me to do this and asked me if I could sing, I lied,” Jolie continued. ” ‘Can you ride a horse?’ ‘Yes.’ Obviously, nobody can sing like Maria. No one. But I’ll do my best.”
The actress has earned rave reviews and recognition, including nominations at the recent 2025 Golden Globe Awards and upcoming Critics Choice Awards.