Maria, a biographical drama about opera legend Maria Callas, was the subject of a major Oscars snub in February 2025 when Angelina Jolie did not receive a nomination for her performance in the acclaimed film, and the actress was forced to battle the Hollywood storm that ensued. While receiving widespread acclaim for her performance, Jolie was not nominated for Best Actress, and sources say that she believes her ex-husband, Brad Pitt, and his former wife, Jennifer Aniston, are to blame.
The Snub That Shocked Jolie
Jolie, who had officially high hopes for Maria, was said to be “furious” and “devastated” over the Oscars snub. She had spent months preparing for the role, including enrolling in a class to learn how to sing opera to portray Callas convincingly. Helmed by Pablo Larraín, the film was considered a possible comeback vehicle for Jolie, who has stepped away from acting in recent years to concentrate on directing and humanitarian efforts.
People close to Jolie said she thought Maria would “bring her back to the top of the Hollywood heap” and was certain she was going to win the Oscar. She wasn’t even nominated, which was a “huge shock” to her .
Assigning blame to Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston
Jolie thinks that Pitt was largely responsible for her Oscars snub. Sources say that after Pitt “deliberately tried to paint her as the villain” in their nasty divorce, which was settled in December 2024 after eight years of legal wrangling, she “no longer wants to deal with him” and is “done” with him. Jolie believes Pitt’s purported smear campaign turned Hollywood against her, impacting the Academy’s decision.
To make matters worse, Jolie believes that Jennifer Aniston, Pitt’s ex-wife, backed his moves. Aniston, who is said to have resented Jolie since the infamous “Brangelina” affair of the early 2000s, may have powerful friends in the industry. Aniston and her industry friends have “bad-mouthed” Jolie all over town, damaging her reputation and career, Jolie believes.
A History of Tension
Jolie, Pitt, and Aniston’s drama began in 2004 when Jolie and Pitt started dating on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith while he was still with Aniston. Though two decades have gone by, the enmity between the women continues. Aniston considers Jolie a “homewrecker” and blames her for her marriage ending with Pitt, according to reports.
While Pitt and Aniston chaptering their love story in recent years, Aniston and Jolie have not been able to write the same ending. Aniston, who makes every effort to avoid Jolie, isn’t interested in patching things up, sources say.
The Fallout
Jolie has been turned off by Hollywood after the Oscars snub This may be the “last straw” for her, insiders say, urging her to distance herself from acting and devote more time to her humanitarian work. No word on what Jolie spoke to DiCaprio about, other than he’s also of the “Leave the Tinseltown fakers behind, I need a life of greater meaning” mindset as her.
Pitt and Aniston Are Not Involved
And while Jolie’s pointing fingers at Pitt and Aniston, sources close to Pitt have denied any involvement with her Oscars snub. They also state that Pitt and Aniston did not spread rumors nor attempt to smear Jolie’s career. Pitt’s camp insists that he has moved on from their divorce and is focused on his work.
A Broader Industry Trend
Some industry pundits say Jolie’s snub might not be fully personal. There were a lot of first-time nominees at the 2025 Oscars, indicating a trend of potentially rewarding fresh talent instead of prizing stardom at the Oscars. And while Jolie’s performance in Maria was well-received, the Academy could’ve opted to shine the spotlight on newcomers instead.
Conclusion
Angelina Jolie’s Oscars snub has reopened longstanding tensions between Jolie, Brad Pitt, and Jennifer Aniston. Whether her exclusion from one of the ceremonies that have publicly questioned her relationship with Pitt came about from personal vendettas or simply broader industry trends, the incident has left Jolie wondering about her place in Hollywood.
