SimplyAbuDhabi XLVII

A ngelina Jolie has never been easy to define - and that is precisely what makes her unforgettable. A singular presence in cinema and beyond, she has built a career and a legacy that span far more than film. Born into a family of actors, Jolie was destined for the screen, yet she quickly charted a path all her own - one that would intertwine creativity, global advocacy, and iconic style. Jolie’s breakthrough performance in Girl, Interrupted (1999) earned her an Academy Award and signalled the arrival of a fearless new talent. She went on to command a wide range of roles, from action heroines in Tomb Raider and Wanted to emotionally layered performances in Changeling and A Mighty Heart . Her directorial work, including Unbroken and First They Killed My Father , showcased her eye for storytelling and her commitment to giving voice to untold narratives. Alongside her cinematic accomplishments, Jolie became one of themost influential humanitarians of her generation. Beginning her work with the United Nations in 2001, she has since travelled the globe to advocate for refugees and displaced communities, later being appointed a UNHCR Special Envoy. Her advocacy - deep, sustained, and often away from the spotlight - has changed lives and shaped policy. She co-founded the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation, the Jolie-Pitt Legal Fellowship, and other initiatives dedicated to justice, education, and health. Yet Jolie’s impact has also been deeply cultural. Often hailed as one of the most beautiful women in the world, her presence on magazine covers and red carpets is as powerful as her humanitarian voice. Known for her statuesque elegance and timeless style, she has redefined celebrity beauty 0 eschewing trends for minimalism, sophistication, and quiet confidence. But Jolie herself has often emphasized that true beauty comes from intention and empathy, not image alone. Whether dressed in understated tailoring or radiant couture, she brings a signature grace to everything she touches. Her beauty has become inseparable from her values: dignified, purposeful, and rooted in authenticity. It is this unique combination - an outer presence that dazzles and an inner compass that guides - that has cemented her place as a modern icon. With her performance in Maria , Jolie took on one of her most challenging roles yet: that of opera legend Maria Callas. Set in the final years of the soprano’s life, the film explores the complexities of fame, loneliness, and artistic legacy. For Jolie, it’s a role that aligns perfectly with her own evolution - an artist unafraid to explore vulnerability and depth. Through every transformation, Angelina Jolie remains a global emblem of what it means to lead a life of beauty, both inside and out. 58 | Simply Abu Dhabi