Angelina Jolie Breaks Down at TIFF While Remembering Her Late Mother

Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie moved audiences to tears at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, as she emotionally recalled her late mother, Marcheline Bertrand, during the premiere of her new film Couture.

An Emotional Moment at TIFF

The actress broke down when a fan in the audience shared their grief over losing a close friend to cancer. Jolie, visibly shaken, placed her hand over her mouth to hold back tears. Director Alice Winocour and co-star Anyier Anei were seen comforting her during the heartfelt moment.

“I’m very sorry for your loss,” Jolie said, before reflecting on her own experience of losing her mother in 2007 after a long battle with breast and ovarian cancer. Marcheline Bertrand passed away at the age of 56, leaving a lasting impact on Jolie, who has often spoken about their close bond.

Jolie’s Advice on Grief and Support

Sharing her mother’s wisdom, Jolie recounted, “One thing I remember my mother saying when she had cancer… we’d had a dinner and people were asking her how she was doing. She said, ‘All people ever ask me about is cancer.’”

Jolie went on to offer advice for those supporting loved ones in difficult times. “If you know someone who’s going through something, ask them about everything else in their life as well. They’re a whole person. And they’re still living,” she explained.

How Couture Mirrors Real-Life Struggles

Her latest film Couture tells the story of a filmmaker navigating the Paris fashion world while facing a cancer diagnosis. Jolie said she was drawn to the project because it reflects the idea that life is not defined by illness.

“What I love about Couture is that even in illness, life is much more than a diagnosis,” she said, connecting her mother’s experience with the central theme of the film.

A Star Who Continues to Inspire

Angelina Jolie’s vulnerability at TIFF showcased her ability to connect with fans on a personal level. Beyond her acting career, Jolie’s candid reflections on grief and resilience continue to inspire millions worldwide.

Her words at TIFF served as a reminder that compassion, empathy, and remembering the whole person are vital when supporting those battling illness or loss.