At the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival’s award gala, a touching and heartfelt moment occurred when British actress Jacqueline Bisset presented her goddaughter, Angelina Jolie, with the Desert Palm Achievement Award. The award was given to Jolie in recognition of her remarkable performance as opera singer Maria Callas in the film Maria.

Jacqueline Bisset, 80, who has had a long and successful career in film and television, shared her admiration for Jolie during the ceremony. She began her speech by expressing how special it was to present the award to Jolie, not only because of her career achievements but also because of their close personal bond. Bisset recalled that Jolie’s late mother, Marcheline Bertrand, was one of her dearest friends. This personal connection made the moment even more meaningful.

“It is such a thrill to be here with you tonight to present this award to Angelina Jolie, who just happens to be my goddaughter, and whose mother Marcheline was one of my dearest friends,” Bisset said on stage at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

Bisset went on to praise Jolie for her exceptional contributions to the film industry, her dedication to humanitarian work, and her commitment as a mother. She described Jolie as a “remarkable” woman who has made a significant impact both on and off the screen. Bisset’s words of admiration were a testament to their deep connection and mutual respect.

In her acceptance speech, Angelina Jolie thanked her godmother for presenting her with the award. She also took a moment to express her gratitude for the opportunity to work on Maria, a film in which she portrayed the legendary opera star, Maria Callas. Jolie acknowledged that she was initially nervous about taking on such a significant role, but thanks to the support of the director Pablo Larrain and the team behind the film, she was able to find her voice and fully embrace the role.

“I’m very grateful for our director Pablo Larrain. I was so scared to do this film… it was a privilege to be on this journey with you,” Jolie said in her speech. She reflected on how the freedom to express herself creatively was one of the most fulfilling aspects of the experience.

Jolie also shared her thoughts on portraying Maria Callas, a woman who was loved by many but often experienced loneliness in her personal life. Jolie drew a personal connection to Callas, explaining that while Callas might have felt alone at times, she herself was surrounded by love and support from her family.

“Callas was loved. But Maria was often alone. But I’m all right because when I walk off this stage, I am more myself because of you, Zahara, and your brothers and sisters,” she said, referring to her daughter Zahara and her other children. The words of gratitude highlighted the importance of family in Jolie’s life and career.

Zahara Jolie-Pitt, Jolie’s 19-year-old daughter, attended the ceremony with her mother. The pair posed for photos backstage, where Jolie was seen holding onto her trophy. The moment was a beautiful display of the bond between mother and daughter, as well as the sense of pride and accomplishment that Jolie felt in receiving the award.

Jolie’s performance in Maria has earned her numerous accolades this award season, including recognition at the Gotham Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Critics Choice Awards. At the Palm Springs Film Festival, the Festival Chairman, Nachhattar Singh Chandi, praised Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas, calling it “the role of a lifetime.” Chandi noted that Jolie’s performance captured the heart and complexity of Callas, who was not only an iconic opera singer but also a woman whose personal life was full of challenges and hardships.

In addition to the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Jolie’s career has seen numerous achievements, and her performance in Maria has only added to her impressive legacy. The film’s portrayal of Maria Callas has resonated with audiences and critics alike, and Jolie’s work continues to be recognized as one of the finest of her career.

During the awards ceremony, Jolie’s heartfelt remarks showed her gratitude not only for the recognition but also for the opportunity to take on such a meaningful role. She expressed how the experience allowed her to rediscover herself, emphasizing the importance of creative freedom in her work.