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The San Sebastian Film Festival has always been known for its elegance, glamour, and powerful storytelling. In 2025, the spotlight was brighter than ever as Angelina Jolie San Sebastian Film Festival 2025 appearance became one of the most anticipated moments at the 73rd edition. With her latest project, Couture, directed by the talented Alice Winocour, Jolie once again reminded the world why she remains one of Hollywood’s most fascinating stars.
This year’s Spanish film fest didn’t just celebrate cinema; it celebrated resilience, artistry, and the magic of seeing powerful stories unfold on the big screen. And at the center of it all was Angelina Jolie.
Why the San Sebastian International Film Festival Matters
The San Sebastian International Film Festival is one of Europe’s most respected showcases of cinema. Held every September in the picturesque Basque city of San Sebastian, Spain, it draws filmmakers, actors, and fans from around the globe.
- Founded in 1953, the festival has premiered countless international films.
- It’s often seen as a launchpad for world premieres and a crucial stop on the road to awards season.
- Many movies that begin here go on to secure critical acclaim, Oscar buzz, and global recognition.
The 73rd edition of the San Sebastian Festival brought together established stars, fresh talents, and films that spoke to both heart and intellect. Among all the screenings, none drew more attention than Couture starring Angelina Jolie.
Angelina Jolie at the San Sebastián Film Festival 2025
When Angelina Jolie’s San Sebastián Film Festival 2025 became a trending phrase, it wasn’t just because of her star power. Jolie’s appearance had everything: an emotional storyline, fashion moments, and a press conference that sparked conversation well beyond Spain.
At the Kursaal Theater in San Sebastian, Jolie walked the red carpet in her signature style: elegant, minimalist, and effortlessly chic. Fans and photographers couldn’t get enough. This was Jolie’s first major European festival appearance since the release of Maria (2024), where she played legendary opera singer Maria Callas.
Her presence here, alongside Louis Garrel, Garance Marillier, Ella Rumpf, and Anyier Anei, was more than just a celebrity cameo; it was the beginning of what many believe could be another awards season journey.
The Film: Couture by Alice Winocour
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alice Winocour, Couture had already generated buzz after its TIFF premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month. Its European premiere in San Sebastian cemented it as one of the year’s must-watch films.
Storyline and Themes
Couture is set during the whirlwind of Paris Fashion Week, a backdrop filled with the glitz and chaos of the fashion world, flashing cameras, and endless catwalks. But beneath the surface, the film tells a much deeper, more personal story.
The plot follows three women whose lives intersect:
- Maxine (Angelina Jolie) – An American filmmaker who discovers she has breast cancer while working in Paris.
- Ada (Anyier Anei) – A young model from South Sudan who is trying to escape a painful past while adjusting to the fashion world.
- Angèle (Ella Rumpf) – A makeup artist with dreams of becoming a writer, caught between backstage chaos and personal ambitions.
Together, these women represent resilience, solidarity among women, and the quiet strength it takes to face life’s unexpected battles.
Angelina Jolie as Maxine: A Role Close to Home
Playing Maxine was more than just another role for Jolie. At the press conference in San Sebastian, she opened up about her personal health journey, including her decision to undergo a preventative mastectomy in 2013 due to her family history of cancer.
She explained how the film’s themes resonated with her own life, saying that sharing stories about illness, survival, and strength helps create unity, not just for women but for anyone who has faced life-altering challenges.
This blend of fiction and real-life courage makes Jolie’s performance one of the most emotionally charged of her career.
Fashion Spotlight: Jolie’s Minimalist Red Carpet Look
No Angelina Jolie appearance is complete without a discussion of her style. For the Couture premiere, she embodied the spirit of the film’s title with understated elegance. Instead of dramatic gowns or extravagant jewelry, Jolie opted for a simple, velvet black dress.
This minimalist look sparked debate: some called it “timeless,” while others craved the drama of her past appearances, like the strapless Ralph & Russo gown at the BAFTAs or the champagne ball gown at Cannes. Still, Jolie has always marched to the beat of her own drum, proving that true style doesn’t need extravagance.
The Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
While Jolie stole the headlines, her co-stars also played crucial roles in making Couture a standout at the festival:
- Louis Garrel – The celebrated French actor known for his depth and charisma.
- Garance Marillier – Rising star recognized for her breakout role in Raw.
- Ella Rumpf – A versatile actress bringing nuance to Angèle, the makeup artist.
- Anyier Anei – A fresh face in global cinema, representing powerful new voices.
Their combined talent brought authenticity and richness to the story, making Couture a film that connects across cultures and continents.
Comparisons to Jolie’s Past Roles
Fans couldn’t help but draw comparisons between Jolie’s performance in Couture and her earlier films:
| Film | Year | Role | Theme |
| Girl, Interrupted | 1999 | Lisa Rowe | Mental health, resilience |
| Mr & Mrs Smith | 2005 | Jane Smith | Action, identity, relationships |
| Maria | 2024 | Maria Callas | Legacy, artistry, sacrifice |
| Couture | 2025 | Maxine | Illness, solidarity, resilience |
The Bigger Picture: Awards Season Buzz
Each September, festivals like Venice, Toronto, and San Sebastian set the stage for awards season. They aren’t just red carpets, they’re launchpads for Oscar campaigns.
With Couture, Angelina Jolie is already fueling that conversation. Her performance has drawn early whispers of a possible Academy Award nomination.
Critics highlight how she balances strength with vulnerability, echoing her own life experiences. If the buzz keeps building, Jolie may once again claim her place on Hollywood’s biggest stage.
Other Big Names at the Festival
While Angelina Jolie grabbed headlines, she wasn’t the only star at the 73rd edition of the San Sebastian Festival.
- Jennifer Lawrence attended another Official Competition entry.
- Colin Farrell brought his signature intensity to the event.
- Outside the main competition, buzz surrounded projects like Russell Crowe’s role in Nuremberg alongside *Michael Shannon.
This mix of Hollywood heavyweights and international stars made the 2025 festival one of the most exciting in years.
Why Couture Resonates with Audiences
At its heart, Couture isn’t just about fashion or Paris runways. It’s about:
- The fragility of life and the courage to face illness.
- The sacrifices women make in industries driven by appearance.
- The unspoken solidarity among women from different walks of life.
By grounding these themes in relatable emotions, Couture goes beyond the glitz and chaos of fashion and creates a story that feels both intimate and universal.
Conclusion: Angelina Jolie’s International Perspective
From Hollywood blockbusters to indie dramas, and now to the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Angelina Jolie has proven time and again that her career is about more than fame. Her international perspective, activism, and ability to choose roles that reflect resilience make her one of the most enduring figures in cinema.
The Angelina Jolie San Sebastián Film Festival 2025 moment wasn’t just about walking a red carpet; it was about telling stories that matter. Whether it was her response to recent political debates like the MAGA response, her candid conversations on Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, or her ability to spark dialogue at film festivals, Jolie continues to use her platform for impact.
As the rain poured down in San Sebastian and the flashes of cameras filled the night sky, one thing was clear: Angelina Jolie remains a force of nature, both on and off the screen.
