Angelina Jolie’s Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress in 2000 for her role in Girl, Interrupted holds a deeply emotional significance for her. While the achievement was a career milestone, it was much more than just a trophy. In an intimate conversation at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2025, Jolie opened up about the profound connection between her Academy Award and her mother, Marcheline Bertrand.
Jolie’s heartfelt reflection gives us a glimpse into her personal history, a history intertwined with fame, heartbreak, and sacrifice. In this post, we’ll dive into the emotional moment when Jolie gave her Academy Award to her mother and the family history that led to that life-changing gesture.
The Story Behind Jolie’s Oscar Win
Angelina Jolie’s role in Girl, Interrupted marked a turning point in her career. Playing Lisa Rowe, a diagnosed sociopath, Jolie’s performance was raw and compelling, earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
But while the win was a celebration of her acting talent, it was also a moment of personal reflection, tied deeply to her family’s journey.
- Growing Up with a Single Mother: Jolie was raised primarily by her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, after her parents’ divorce in 1976.
- Jolie’s Mother’s Dreams: Bertrand had once dreamed of being an actress, but the reality of raising two children made it impossible for her to pursue that career. Instead, she focused on raising her children while nurturing their dreams.
Jolie’s Oscar win represented not just a personal achievement but also a tribute to her mother’s unwavering support. But it was more than that – it was a symbol of giving back for all the sacrifices her mother had made.
A Heartbreaking Family History: Jon Voight’s Affair and Oscar Win
Jolie’s relationship with her father, Jon Voight, is a complicated one. The marriage between Bertrand and Voight was marred by infidelity and emotional strain. Their divorce in 1980, after a brief separation in 1976, left deep emotional scars.
- Voight’s Affair: During their marriage, Voight had an affair with fellow actor Stacey Pickren, which was highly publicized.
- Voight’s Oscar Win: Despite the turmoil in his personal life, Voight went on to win an Academy Award for his role in Coming Home in 1978, just after the couple had separated.
For Bertrand, watching her estranged husband win an Oscar with his mistress by his side was a deeply painful experience. Jolie shared that this moment, which her mother described to her, stayed with her throughout her life.
Jolie said:
“My mom used to tell me a story that when she was in her twenties – when she had me, she was very young – she was divorced from a very famous man […] and she was home with her babies in an apartment watching him win an Oscar with the other woman.”
The Impact of That Moment: A Lesson in Resilience
For Jolie, this painful memory of her mother’s experience shaped her perspective on life, love, and family. While her father’s Oscar win was a moment of triumph for him, it was also a moment of heartbreak for her mother, watching from afar as her husband celebrated with the very person who had caused their marriage to crumble.
But in this pain, Jolie’s mother exhibited a profound sense of strength and resilience. She chose to stand by her children, to raise them with love and dedication, despite the difficult circumstances. This unwavering commitment to her family was something that stuck with Jolie.
Jolie explained that her mother’s emotional endurance in the face of her father’s success was a reminder of how much she had sacrificed and how much she had endured. It was something that left an indelible mark on Jolie’s heart.
Giving the Oscar to Her Mom: A Moment of Healing
When Jolie won her Oscar in 2000, she immediately thought of her mother. For years, her mom had lived through the turmoil of her father’s affair and the emotional scars that followed. Jolie realised that this win was just as much a win for her mother as it was for her.
- The Emotional Moment: After receiving the Academy Award, Jolie had a heartfelt moment. She called her mom and told her, “It’s yours.”
- A Gesture of Gratitude: Giving her mother the Oscar was a symbolic act. It was a way for Jolie to acknowledge all the love, sacrifice, and support her mother had given her.
This moment, for Jolie, was one of the most meaningful of her life. The Oscar wasn’t just a physical award, but a representation of gratitude and healing.
The Meaning of Family and Sacrifice
Jolie’s story reminds us of the powerful connection between family and success. Behind every Oscar win, there are often untold stories of sacrifice, heartbreak, and personal growth.
- Family Influence: Jolie’s mother, despite facing a difficult personal life, played a pivotal role in shaping her daughter’s path. Her unwavering love and support laid the foundation for Jolie’s own achievements.
- Healing from the Past: Giving her Oscar to her mother wasn’t just about recognition; it was about healing old wounds. It was about honouring the strength of the woman who had raised her through adversity.
Jolie’s emotional reflection offers us a deeper understanding of what it means to give back to the people who shape our lives. It’s not always about grand gestures; sometimes, the most significant moments come from a simple act of love and appreciation.
Conclusion: A Beautiful Tribute to Resilience
Angelina Jolie’s Academy Award win was not only a milestone in her acting career but also a profound moment of personal reflection. By giving her Oscar to her mother, Jolie honoured the sacrifices and strength her mother had shown throughout her life.
This deeply personal story offers an insightful look into the complexities of family relationships, the impact of personal history, and the healing power of gratitude. It reminds us that while fame and success are important, love and family are the true sources of strength and resilience.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- Angelina Jolie’s Career and Achievements
- Jon Voight’s Oscar Win
- The Impact of Family on Success
- Girl, Interrupted: A Look at the Movie
- Marcheline Bertrand: The Woman Behind the Star
Photo credit: UNILAD
