Angelina Jolie has recalled how her mother "embraced" a life of stardom through her

Speaking after being presented with the Maltin Modern Master Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Wednesday (05.02.25) and said: "I think of my mother ... she had to give up her dreams of a creative life but she embraced that side of mine."

The 'Tomb Raider' star also revealed that her mother would write her letters to her addressed to the character she was playing at the time.

She added: "Dear Gia,' 'Dear Lisa Rowe,' 'Dear Lara Croft' - and for the last 16 years, I haven't had those letters."

The actress has enjoyed a star turn of late with her portrayal of Maria Callas in the biopic about the legendary opera star, and noted after taking on such a part that she would be "nothing" without the love of her own mother.

She said: "I try to imagine sometimes what she would write, and she would probably have told Maria that she loved her because Maria had many things but she never had a mother's love.

"I would be absolutely nothing without mine. She passed away many years ago at this time of year, so it's always this weather that reminds me of her."

"And that feeling and that sensibility that makes that actually hard for me is part of what is my work and what connects many artists to their work, and I know I'm not alone in this!"