AceShowbiz - Academy Award-winning actor Angelina Jolie will star as the legendary Maria Callas in "Maria", a new biographical drama directed by the renowned Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larrain. Known for his compelling character studies in films like "Jackie" and "Spencer", Larrain's latest project captures the final days of the famous opera singer, reflecting on her tumultuous yet glamorous life while secluded in Paris.

In an exclusive reveal, Netflix announced that "Maria" will hit U.S. theaters on November 27 before it starts streaming on December 11. The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it received an eight-minute standing ovation. Moved by the overwhelming response, Jolie was seen wiping away tears, a testament to her deeply affecting performance. This reaction has already set the tone for a promising awards season.

Jolie, who won an Oscar for her role in "Girl, Interrupted", may see herself back in the race for another Academy Award, thanks to her transformative portrayal of Callas. Variety Awards Circuit has her leading the charts for Best Actress, and with significant buzz surrounding her role, she could be a frontrunner for the Oscar. If successful, this would mark her second Oscar win, solidifying her status as one of the finest actors of her generation.

"Maria" is Larrain's third entry in his trilogy focusing on iconic women, following the critically acclaimed "Jackie" and "Spencer". The film is penned by Oscar-nominated writer Steven Knight, known for his work on "Dirty Pretty Things" and as the creator of "Peaky Blinders". The film also features an impressive supporting cast, including Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alba Rohrwacher, Pierfrancesco Favino and Valeria Golino. Additionally, the cinematic expertise of Edward Lachman, previously nominated for his work on "Carol" and "Far From Heaven", adds a unique visual depth to the story.

Larrain expressed his personal connection to the film, stating, "This film is my most personal work yet. It is a creative imagining and psychological portrait of Maria Callas who, after dedicating her life to performing for audiences around the world, decides finally to find her own voice, her own identity, and sing for herself."

As the buzz for "Maria" continues to grow, audiences worldwide eagerly await Jolie's return to form in this powerful and intimate portrayal of one of the 20th century's most celebrated opera singers. With its theatrical and streaming release dates approaching, the film is poised to leave a lasting impact.