“Astonishing”: Blonde Angelina Jolie, 49, left everyone in awe at the 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards in a delicate, transparent lace gown, sparking a wave of excitement

Angelina Jolie’s latest red carpet-appearance had fans and critics locked in debate. The internet wasted no time weighing in.

Angelina Jolie left tongues wagging following her striking entrance at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards. While some called her look breathtaking, not everyone agreed.

The 49-year-old actress arrived at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Friday, February 7, wearing a sheer nude lace gown. She complemented the look with sleek blonde hair and bold red lipstick.

As she posed for photographers on the red carpet, reactions poured in. Fans were quick to express their admiration. “Speechless 😲,” one comment read. Another added, “She literally is the most beautiful woman EVER! She has such a look about her that no one else has . It’s unbelievable [sic].”

Many praised her timeless style.”Beautiful,” one admirer simply put it. Another echoed the sentiment, calling her fashion choice “simple and beautiful.” Others were drawn to the elegance of her gown. “Love the dress 😍😍😍,” a fan gushed, adding to the wave of admiration flooding social media.

Not everyone, however, was impressed. Some compared the delicate lace fabric to vintage curtains. “My grandma had net curtains like this on all her windows,” commented one person. Another wrote, “Extremely boring dress.”

Others felt her blonde hair made her look washed out. “She looks drained… not stunning at all,” one critic remarked. While another simply asked, “Blonde??”

Jolie was among the nominees at the Critics Choice Awards, earning a nod for Best Actress for her portrayal of Maria Callas in the biopic “Maria.” The film follows the legendary opera singer in her final days in Paris in the 1970s as she reflects on her life, career, and identity.

She faced strong competition in the category, with Cynthia Erivo nominated for her role as Elphaba in Wicked. Karla Sofía Gascón also secured a nomination for her performance in “Emilia Pérez.”

Veteran actress Demi Moore earned a spot on the list for her role as Elisabeth Sparkle in the sci-fi drama “The Substance,” a film that explores a surreal and unsettling transformation.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste was recognized for her work in “Hard Truths,” while Mikey Madison received a nomination for her performance in “Anora.” With a lineup of powerhouse performances, the category was packed with talent, making for a highly anticipated race.

Jolie’s role in “Maria” is deeply personal, demanding a level of commitment that blurs the line between actress and subject. To embody the legendary soprano, she spent over six months mastering Callas’ way of singing, breathing, and moving.

The film offers an intimate portrait of a woman trapped by her own image—a global icon longing to reclaim her voice. Set in Paris in 1977, “Maria” captures the final chapter of Callas’ life. After years away from the stage, she dreams of performing again, despite a past where audiences had both adored and condemned her.

Some had cheered her brilliance, while others had booed when her voice faltered, labeling her a “tigress” for her fiery temperament. Director Pablo Larraín saw a striking parallel between Callas and Jolie. “Angelina has an enormous amount of mystery,” he explained. “I thought she could play this woman who is looking to find her own identity.”

Jolie’s latest project wasn’t just a personal journey—it became a family affair. Her sons, Maddox and Pax, played a hands-on role behind the scenes, working in the assistant directing department.

It wasn’t their first time on a film set, and Jolie saw real value in their experience. “They’ve done that quite a few times, and I think that’s good for them,” she shared. Pax, in particular, gravitated toward still photography, a talent that director Larraín quickly recognized and encouraged.

Stepping back into the spotlight after years away wasn’t a decision Jolie made lightly. “I needed to be home more with my kids,” she admitted, reflecting on why she took a break from acting and directing.

But now, with her children growing older and becoming more independent, she feels the timing is right. “They’re old enough to join me at work. It’s a new season in our lives,” she said. Watching them carve out their own paths has been exciting for her, and she embraces this next chapter with a renewed sense of purpose.