Angelina Jolie Radiates Grace at Cannes as Chopard’s Godmother, Marking Her Red Carpet Return

The Oscar-winning actress stuns in a white one-sleeve gown and delivers a heartfelt tribute to international cinema at the Trophée Chopard dinner during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

Angelina Jolie Makes Ultra Chic Return to Cannes as Chopard Godmother

Angelina Jolie’s return to the Cannes Film Festival was nothing short of majestic. On Friday, May 16, the acclaimed actress and humanitarian made a dazzling appearance at the prestigious Trophée Chopard dinner, held on the serene sands of Carlton Beach in Cannes. Marking her first red carpet event since the 2025 awards season, Jolie embraced the moment in a look that radiated quiet glamour and timeless elegance.

Dressed in a flowing, one-sleeve white gown with a subtle slit, the Maria actress, 49, was the embodiment of refined grace. The gown paired seamlessly with silver ankle-strap heels, while Jolie kept her look minimal yet striking — opting for soft waves in her brunette hair, delicate drop earrings, and a fresh makeup palette featuring a rosy lip and shimmering highlights.

The evening held special significance for Jolie, who was honored as the “godmother” of the Trophée Chopard — an accolade presented each year to two rising stars in international cinema. This year, she had the privilege of bestowing the honor upon actors Marie Colomb and Finn Bennett, in a ceremony hosted by Cannes Film Festival president Iris Knobloch, general delegate Thierry Frémaux, and Chopard’s co-president and artistic director Caroline Scheufele.

In a moving speech, Jolie shared her passion for international storytelling.

“I love the international cinema. We are brought to other lands, into private moments, even on the battlefield. We connect and we empathize,” she said, citing films like My Father’s Shadow, which premiered at Cannes. “Anything that is possible to make international cinema more accessible is necessary and welcome.”

She added with heartfelt clarity:

“What brings us here is not carpets, even though they’re lovely, but what brings us here is to connect to each other through international cinema and the opportunity to be with creative people.”

This return to Cannes marks Jolie’s first appearance at the festival in over a decade. She last walked its iconic red carpet in 2011, accompanying then-husband Brad Pitt to the premiere of The Tree of Life. Prior to that, she memorably graced the 2008 Cannes carpet while pregnant.

A Season of Style and Sentiment

Jolie’s Cannes appearance follows a high-fashion awards season where she captivated with each public outing. For her acclaimed role in Maria — the Netflix biopic in which she portrayed opera legend Maria Callas — she received widespread praise and multiple nominations.

The awards circuit began at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, where Jolie wore a striking black halter gown, attending alongside daughter Zahara Jolie-Pitt, who stunned in a white lace ensemble. Their appearance was especially poignant, marking Jolie’s first major red carpet following the finalization of her divorce settlement with Brad Pitt.

Jolie and Zahara also turned heads at the 2025 Golden Globes, with both in intricately embellished gowns. That event marked Jolie’s first return to the Globes since 2018. She later closed the season at the Critics Choice Awards, exuding ethereal charm in a nude Elie Saab lace gown.

Spotlighting the Next Generation

Beyond acting, Jolie continues to amplify the voices of new creatives. She stepped into the role of lead producer for The Outsiders, the Broadway adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s beloved novel and Francis Ford Coppola’s film. The production, which featured her daughter Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, 16, as a volunteer assistant, earned the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2024. Jolie attended the ceremony in a sage velvet Atelier Versace gown, her neckline revealing a new bird tattoo that mirrored Vivienne’s emerald-toned outfit.

As Cannes celebrates cinema in all its global richness, Angelina Jolie’s presence — serene, stylish, and purpose-driven — stands as a reminder that elegance is more than fashion. It’s found in the stories we tell, the connections we foster, and the legacies we choose to build.