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A Star-Studded Family Affair: Jacqueline Bisset Honors Angelina Jolie in Touching Award Presentation at the Palm Springs Film Festival
The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) is known for its glamorous atmosphere, star-studded gatherings, and the recognition of some of the most remarkable talents in the world of cinema. But this year’s festival held a moment that transcended the usual glitz and glitter. At the 2025 edition of the festival, Hollywood legend Jacqueline Bisset honored her goddaughter, Angelina Jolie, with a prestigious award, creating one of the most touching moments of the evening. The award presentation was not only a celebration of Jolie’s exceptional career but also a heartfelt reunion between two women who share a deep, familial bond—one that had many in the audience moved to tears.
While the Palm Springs Film Festival is often a night filled with accolades, fashion, and the celebration of cinematic achievements, it’s rare that the line between professional recognition and personal connection blurs so beautifully. As Jacqueline Bisset walked on stage to present the award to Angelina Jolie, the two actresses shared an emotional embrace that felt deeply personal, underscoring the remarkable love and admiration they have for each other—not just as colleagues in the entertainment industry, but as family.
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A Legacy of Family and Friendship
The bond between Jacqueline Bisset and Angelina Jolie is one that has spanned decades. The two women are not just Hollywood peers—they are family, with Bisset serving as Jolie’s godmother. Their relationship has always been a source of public fascination, with both actresses being incredibly private about their personal lives but always speaking warmly about one another when the opportunity arises.
For many, seeing the two of them together at the Palm Springs Film Festival was a reminder of the strength of familial ties, especially in an industry known for its transient relationships. Jolie, who is often in the spotlight due to her activism, acting career, and role as a mother, has always spoken highly of the women who have shaped her life, and Bisset is one of those influential figures. The bond they share goes beyond just the entertainment world—it’s rooted in trust, admiration, and a shared history that speaks volumes about their individual characters.
Jacqueline Bisset, a British-American actress with a career spanning over five decades, is known for her elegance, poise, and iconic roles in films such as Bullitt (1968), The Deep (1977), and The Sleeping Dictionary (2003). Despite her long and successful career, Bisset has remained something of a private figure, far from the tabloid-driven chaos that often accompanies Hollywood’s brightest stars. She has carved out a niche as an actress who values quality over quantity, choosing roles that resonate with her artistic sensibilities rather than simply chasing fame.
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Angelina Jolie, on the other hand, is a global superstar whose career is as expansive as it is diverse. From her breakout role in Girl, Interrupted (1999), which earned her an Academy Award, to her work as a director, philanthropist, and activist, Jolie has become a symbol of both beauty and strength. Yet beneath her public persona, she is deeply rooted in her family, and her relationship with Bisset is one of the cornerstones of her personal life. Their close-knit connection has always been evident, and this award presentation was a reflection of their profound respect for one another.
The Moment of the Award Presentation
As the lights dimmed and the crowd hushed, the spotlight fell on Jacqueline Bisset, who walked to the stage to present Angelina Jolie with the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for her recent performance in The White King. The audience at the Palm Springs Film Festival knew they were about to witness something special, but the heartfelt nature of the moment took everyone by surprise.
Dressed in a stunning black gown with elegant detailing, Bisset looked every bit the screen legend she is, her presence commanding the room. When she began speaking, her voice was steady, yet the emotion behind her words was palpable. “Tonight, I have the honor of presenting an award to someone whose work I have admired for many years,” she said, pausing for effect. “But beyond her talent, beyond her accomplishments, it’s the person she is—the incredible, compassionate woman—that makes this moment even more special.”
Bisset’s words were filled with admiration and affection as she spoke about Jolie’s career, noting her roles both on-screen and off, and the lasting impact she has had on the world. “Angelina is someone who shows us all that you can be both fierce and kind, both a warrior and a healer. Her art is an extension of her soul, and that is what makes her truly exceptional.”
As she presented the award to Jolie, the two women shared a long, emotional embrace, a gesture that spoke volumes about their deep familial connection. The audience, already captivated by the heartfelt speech, broke into a standing ovation, not just for Jolie’s achievements but for the powerful moment of love and mutual respect between the two women. The applause was deafening as Jolie, visibly moved, took the stage to accept her award.
Angelina Jolie’s Emotional Response
Jolie, who is known for her eloquence and grace under pressure, took a moment to collect herself before speaking. Her voice was steady, but her eyes were filled with emotion as she addressed the crowd. “To be honored in this way by someone who has meant so much to me over the years… I’m truly speechless,” Jolie began, her voice quivering slightly. “Jacqueline is not just a godmother to me; she’s been a guiding force, a mentor, and a dear friend. Her presence in my life has shaped who I am as both a person and an artist.”
Jolie’s words were not just a thank you—they were a reflection of the depth of her relationship with Bisset. She spoke candidly about the bond they share, the wisdom Bisset has imparted over the years, and the way her godmother has always encouraged her to stay true to her values, both in her career and in her personal life. “What I’ve learned from Jacqueline is that the most important thing we can do is be true to ourselves and use our work to make the world a better place,” Jolie said, her eyes welling up with tears. “Thank you, Jacqueline, for being a constant source of love and light in my life.”
The moment was a beautiful intersection of personal connection and professional recognition, a rare combination in an industry often focused on individual achievement. For Jolie, receiving an award from someone who had been such an important figure in her life made the honor even more meaningful. The room was filled with emotion as both women stood there, sharing a moment that felt deeply personal, yet universally touching.
The Influence of Jacqueline Bisset on Jolie’s Career
While Jacqueline Bisset’s acting career is often remembered for her iconic roles in the 1960s and 1970s, her influence on Angelina Jolie has been just as impactful off-screen. Bisset, who is known for her understated yet powerful performances, has long been a source of inspiration for Jolie, particularly in terms of navigating the pressures of being a woman in the public eye. As a fellow actress, Bisset has always advocated for authenticity, remaining true to one’s art, and not succumbing to the superficiality often associated with Hollywood.
Jolie has mentioned Bisset in several interviews over the years as someone who has helped guide her through the complexities of life in the public eye. As someone who also balances the demands of motherhood, humanitarian work, and acting, Jolie has often looked to Bisset’s example for advice on maintaining balance and authenticity.
In particular, Bisset’s ability to age gracefully in an industry that often pressures women to remain youthful and perfect has served as an example to Jolie. Bisset, who has always chosen roles based on artistic merit rather than commercial success, has shown Jolie that it’s possible to remain relevant and respected while staying true to one’s values. Their relationship is a testament to the power of mentorship, with Bisset guiding Jolie not just in her career but also in her personal growth.
A Moment That Will Be Remembered
The 2025 Palm Springs Film Festival will undoubtedly be remembered for its many glamorous moments, but it will also be remembered for the extraordinary bond between Jacqueline Bisset and Angelina Jolie. Their emotional exchange on stage was a reminder of the deep ties that exist beyond the surface of celebrity. It wasn’t just about the award—it was about the love, respect, and admiration they have for one another.
In a world that often celebrates individual success, the Palm Springs Film Festival showcased the beauty of familial bonds and the importance of mentorship. Jacqueline Bisset’s presentation of the award to Angelina Jolie wasn’t just a moment of recognition; it was a beautiful reminder that, at the heart of Hollywood, there are still authentic, meaningful relationships that transcend the glitz and glamour.
As the two women embraced and the audience applauded, it was clear that this was a moment that would be remembered long after the lights of the Palm Springs Film Festival had faded. For both actresses, it was a night to celebrate not only their professional achievements but also the enduring power of love, family, and the art of mentorship.
