Can Angelina Jolie’s ‘Without Blood’ Capture Both Hearts and Awards at TIFF?

Angelina Jolie's Awards at TIFF
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The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has announced its lineup for the 49th edition, set to take place from September 5 to 15, 2024.

This year’s festival promises a stellar array of world premieres, star-studded appearances, and potential Oscar contenders, marking a significant rebound for the industry after last year’s challenges.

One of the most anticipated premieres is Angelina Jolie’s Without Blood. This wartime drama, starring Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir, is based on Alessandro Baricco’s novel and explores the complexities of conflict.

Jolie, who has kept a low profile in recent years, is expected to have a significant presence at TIFF and possibly at the Venice Film Festival as well, where her portrayal of Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s “Maria” could gain critical acclaim.

Mike Leigh returns with Hard Truths, his first film since 2018’s Peterloo. Starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste, this tragicomic study of human strengths and weaknesses marks another exploration of contemporary issues by the veteran director.

Jennifer Lopez will grace the festival with Unstoppable, a sports drama produced by her husband Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. The film, directed by William Goldenberg, features Jharrel Jerome as Anthony Robles, a one-legged wrestler who overcomes incredible odds.

Hugh Grant stars in Heretic, a horror film from the writers of A Quiet Place, where he plays a man challenging the faith of missionaries through bizarre games. This adds a thrilling edge to the festival’s diverse offerings.

Pamela Anderson makes her acting comeback with The Last Showgirl, directed by Gia Coppola. The film, which also stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Dave Bautista, depicts a showgirl navigating life after her show abruptly ends. This marks Anderson’s first leading role in over a decade.

TIFF’s lineup reflects its global appeal, featuring films from around the world. Peter Cattaneo’s The Penguin Lessons stars Steve Coogan as an Englishman who forms an unlikely friendship with a penguin in 1970s Argentina.

David Mackenzie’s Relay, starring Riz Ahmed and Lily James, is a gripping thriller about a fixer and his client.

Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche reunite in The Return, a modern take on Homer’s Odyssey, while Barry Jenkins brings The Fire Inside, a biopic of a groundbreaking boxer from Flint, Michigan. The festival also features Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield in the romantic drama We Live in Time, directed by John Crowley.

TIFF’s Galas and Special Presentations are renowned for showcasing the best of contemporary cinema across genres and styles. This year’s section includes 63 films from 25 countries. Highlights include Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or winner Anora, David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds, and Andrea Arnold’s Bird. The festival will also host the world premiere of the Hulu documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band.

This year’s festival marks a significant rebound for the industry, offering a platform for numerous films aiming for Oscar glory. Angelina Jolie’s dual presence as a director and actor, along with the high-profile premieres and star appearances, positions TIFF as a critical event in the lead-up to awards season.

With films like “Without Blood” and “Maria,” Jolie’s resurgence is particularly noteworthy, drawing attention both for her cinematic contributions and her personal life.