Angelina Jolie Says She Doesn't Recognize The America She Loves

At the San Sebastian Film Festival in northern Spain, Angelina Jolie was promoting her latest film, Couture, when she addressed concerns about free expression in the United States. In a question-and-answer that followed a screening, journalist Maria Guerra asked what Jolie fears as an artist and as an American given what she called a concerning period for free expression in the United States. Jolie described the question as obviously a very difficult one and said she loves her country but, I don’t, at this time, recognize my country.

She added that she has always lived internationally, with family and friends around the world, and that her worldview is equal, united, international. “So anything, anywhere that divides or, of course, limits personal expressions and freedoms and, from anyone, I think is very dangerous,” Jolie said.

Jolie noted that the times require people to be intentional about what they say and the possible effects of their words, saying, “These are very, very heavy times we’re all living in together.” She was promoting her film Couture during the festival appearance.

Observers noted that Jolie's comments reflect a broader conversation about freedom of expression in the United States and the tension artists feel when speaking on politics and policy. The remarks add to ongoing coverage of media debates and regulatory actions that have drawn attention in recent weeks.

Jolie’s comments align with a long-running advocacy for human rights and international collaboration that she has spoken about throughout her career, often framing artistic expression as a universal concern that transcends borders.