Angelina Jolie’s New Netflix Biopic Highlights the Importance of Watching Bradley Cooper’s $80M Best Picture Nominee

Angelina Jolie delivers a stunning performance in Maria, a film that draws parallels with Bradley Cooper’s acclaimed role in 2023. Pablo Larraín’s portrayal of Maria Callas pulls heavily from the stylistic elements seen in last year’s beloved musical biopic, aiming to honor the contentious life of its titular character while showcasing stunning visuals that reflect the aesthetics of the eras depicted. Emerging critical reviews for Maria suggest it could replicate the multiple nominations achieved by last year’s standout films, with particular praise directed at its sophisticated cinematographic language that resonates with the protagonist’s emotional evolution.

At the helm of the cast, Jolie embodies Maria Callas with an elegance befitting a true Diva, as if the role was predestined for her. Although the film’s conclusion leans toward tragedy, it tells a modern story infused with heartache, particularly through the lens of Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre’s renowned yet troubled marriage. Both films bravely address the personal tribulations faced by their featured artists, prioritizing their authentic narratives alongside their artistic achievements while navigating the scrutiny of public life.

After Watching Maria, Discover Netflix’s 2023 Biopic Maestro

Maria & Maestro: Artists Captured by Their Talents

As Maria quickly climbs the charts to Netflix’s top 10 following its release, fans of poignant biographical narratives are encouraged to check out Maestro, the streaming service’s original portrayal of Leonard Bernstein. In this film, Bradley Cooper steps behind the camera for the second time as both director and screenwriter, chronicling the life of one of America’s most prestigious orchestra conductors. Mirroring Maria, Maestro begins at its conclusion before diving into flashbacks that illustrate the artist’s professional milestones intertwined with his passionate yet tumultuous relationship with actress Felicia Montealegre, portrayed by Carey Mulligan. The storytelling in both films artfully reflects the aspirations and struggles of their respective characters.

The famed Bernstein was known to express, “music keeps me glued to life,”a sentiment closely aligned with Callas’s poignant assertion: “there is no life away from the stage.”This resonance establishes them as soulmates in their artistic journeys. Larraín’s narrative takes inspiration from the true life of Maria Callas, conveying her heartbreaking descent from fame and her intense drive to reclaim her lost voice. Similarly, Bernstein faced his own struggles while grappling with the dichotomy of his public persona and his artistic purity. One character veils secrets while the other reveals too much, effectively positioning the roles of Cooper and Jolie as complementary yet contrasting reflections of the same theme.

Maria: A Chance to Compensate for Maestro’s Oscar Shortcomings

Jolie’s Golden Globe Nomination Signals Potential Oscar Success for Maria

Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas in Larrain's Maria.

Despite receiving a total of seven Academy Award nominations—including nods for Directing, Makeup, Original Screenplay, Sound, Cinematography, and both Leading Actor and Actress—Maestro left the ceremonies empty-handed. While Maria‘s sole Golden Globe nomination for Jolie’s performance may seem modest compared to the wealth of recognition for Cooper, Jolie’s biopic holds promise as a standout in this year’s Oscar race with the potential to clinch several accolades. Specifically, Larraín’s work is a formidable contender for both Best Cinematography and Best Makeup and Hairstyling, showcasing the exquisite talents of Ed Lachman (El Conde) and Heike Merker (All Quiet on the Western Front).

Golden Globe 2025 Best Lead Actress Nominations
Name	Picture
Pamela Anderson	The Last Showgirl
Angelina Jolie	Maria
Nicole Kidman	Babygirl
Tilda Swinton	The Room Next Door
Fernanda Torres	I’m Still Here
Kate Winslet	Lee

Furthermore, Maria finalizes Larraín’s acclaimed trilogy, each entry having received significant critical attention. While they share thematic similarities, Maria parallels Maestro more closely than its sister films due to its evocative soundtrack, featuring the moving arias of Maria Callas. Much like Bernstein’s iconic compositions in Maestro, Callas’ ethereal vocals enrich the film’s cinematic narrative. Given Larraín’s previous accolades for Jackie and Spencer, the potential for an Oscar victory appears to be within reach, and Jolie is poised to play a pivotal role in making this ambition a reality.

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