Users React as Angelina Jolie, 49, Shows off New Hairstyle After Finalizing Divorce from Brad Pitt

Angelina Jolie is stepping back into the spotlight after finalizing her lengthy divorce from Brad Pitt. Wasting no time, the Oscar winner is already making waves for her role as the titular opera singer Maria Callas in Netflix’s biopic, “Maria.”

On January 3, Angelina dazzled at the Palm Springs International Film Awards, which was held at the Palm Springs Convention Center. At the event, the actress was honored with the Desert Palm Achievement Award, for her role in “Maria.”

She made the evening a family affair, accompanied by her 19-year-old daughter, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, and her godmother, renowned actress Jacqueline Bisset. Angelina turned heads in a black silk long gown, showcasing her signature elegance. Equally stunning, Zahara stepped out in a white sleeveless gown with subtle cutouts.

While Jolie marked the milestone event, much of the online buzz shifted to her striking new hairstyle. The actress debuted a lighter blonde shade, sparking mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.

“Never cared for her, this doesn’t even look like her,” wrote one user. Another commented, “Strange, didn’t recognize her.” A third asked, “What happened to her lips?” Some questioned the hair color itself. “This color blond doesn’t suit her or it’s the light of the camera [sic]!!!” observed one netizen.

Others defended her bold look, with one writing, “I don’t know if that color of hair suits her that much but shes 🔥always [sic].” Despite the hairstyle debate, fans couldn’t help but praise the actresses’ timeless beauty. “Angelina looks so good man, she’s definitely aging like fine wine 😍🔥,” wrote one admirer. Another simply posted, “Angie ❤.”

The red carpet moment also highlighted Angelina’s close relationship with Zahara, earning praise from fans. “Zahara and her mother look so lovely. Congrats to Angelina! ❤️❤️,” commented one fan. Another added, “Always well accompanied and this time with the beautiful Zahara. I’m happy to see Angelina smiling like that and radiating light next to her daughter.”

This radiant mother-daughter moment on the red carpet was further amplified at the Golden Globes Awards. On January 5, the actress, accompanied by her daughter Zahara, made a stunning entrance at the prestigious event.

They were both dressed in coordinating outfits that turned heads. Angelina, 49, stole the spotlight in a beaded Alexander McQueen gown that exuded sophistication. The floor-length dress dazzled with intricate sheer panels, sparkling beads, and crystals, added flair to her radiant presence.

She completed the look with a fresh new set of bangs and kept her makeup simple, letting her natural beauty shine through. Zahara looked equally striking in a white gown adorned with a bold black tree-like pattern on one side. Her long hair was elegantly swept back, accentuating her beauty.

Angelina’s red carpet moment was made even more special. She was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her portrayal in “Maria.” This marks her ninth Golden Globe nomination, with three previous wins under her belt from the late ’90s to 2000 for “George Wallace,” “Gia,” and “Girl, Interrupted.”

In a candid interview, Angelina shared the intense journey she underwent to transform into Maria. It took seven months of vocal training to perfect the role, with her own vocals intertwined with real-life recordings of Marias’ iconic performances.

Angelina’s recent appearances come just a week after she and Brad, 61, reached a final settlement in their long-running divorce. The settlement brought an end to over eight years of legal proceedings. The couple officially closed the chapter on their separation when Angelina signed off on their divorce on Christmas Day 2024.

The necessary paperwork was filed by the actress with her choosing not to seek spousal or family support from Brad. The former couple shares six children: Zahara, Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Shiloh, 18, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16.

In a statement from Angelina’s lawyer, James Simon, he explained that the process began more than eight years ago when the actress filed for divorce. He mentioned that she and the children moved out of the properties they had shared with Brad, and since then, Angelina has focused on finding peace and healing for her family.

James further added that while Angelina is “exhausted,” she is “relieved this one part is over,” emphasizing that the settlement is just a small step in a long process that began years ago.

Angelina filed for divorce from Brad in September 2016, citing irreconcilable differences. Though their marriage lasted just two years, they had been together as partners for nearly a decade before tying the knot.

Their relationship began on set in 2004 while filming “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” However, their romance didn’t become official until 2005, as Brad was still married to Jennifer Aniston. Following the divorce filing, Angelina accused Brad of physically abusing one of their children. He denied the allegations and was later cleared after an investigation.

In 2019, after years of legal battles, a judge declared the couple legally single but their divorce proceedings dragged on for years. However, their divorce is far from the only legal drama they’ve faced. The exes are currently embroiled in a contentious lawsuit regarding their French winery.

Brad sued Angelina Jolie for selling her share of the property to a Russian oligarch’s company without his approval. He claimed this violated their agreement. While Brad recently won a legal round in the case, the fight is far from over. Both sides are now engaged in a back-and-forth dispute concerning claims related to a non-disclosure agreement.