Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Angelina Jolie
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Angelina Jolie made an impact.
Angelina Jolie is a highly acclaimed American actress, filmmaker, and humanitarian. Recognized as one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses, she has received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. Beyond her acting career, Jolie is known for her humanitarian work, focusing on refugee rights and conservation.
1982: Bit Part in Lookin' to Get Out
In 1982, Angelina Jolie had a bit part in her father's film Lookin' to Get Out at age seven.
1991: Music Video Appearances
In 1991, Angelina Jolie appeared in music videos for Lenny Kravitz's "Stand by My Woman" and Antonello Venditti's "Alta Marea".
1993: Music Video Appearances
In 1993, Angelina Jolie appeared in music videos for The Lemonheads's "It's About Time" and Meat Loaf's "Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through". She also appeared on the cover of the Widespread Panic album Everyday.
1993: First Leading Role in Cyborg 2
In 1993, Angelina Jolie played her first leading role in the direct-to-video science-fiction sequel Cyborg 2.
1993: Film Career Begins with Cyborg 2
In 1993, Angelina Jolie's film career began with the low-budget production Cyborg 2.
1995: Leading Role in Hackers
In 1995, Angelina Jolie got her first leading role in Hackers.
1996: Roles in Love Is All There Is, Mojave Moon and Foxfire
In 1996, Angelina Jolie appeared in Love Is All There Is, Mojave Moon and Foxfire.
1997: Roles in George Wallace
In 1997, Angelina Jolie starred in the television film George Wallace.
1997: Starring roles in Playing God and True Women
In 1997, Angelina Jolie starred in the thriller Playing God and the CBS miniseries True Women. She also appeared in the music video for the Rolling Stones's "Anybody Seen My Baby?".
1997: Golden Globe Award for George Wallace
In 1997, Angelina Jolie won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in TNT's George Wallace.
1998: Role in Gia
In 1998, Angelina Jolie portrayed Gia Carangi in HBO's Gia, earning wide recognition and a Golden Globe Award.
1998: Roles in Hell's Kitchen and Playing by Heart
In 1998, Angelina Jolie starred in the gangster film Hell's Kitchen and appeared in Playing by Heart.
1999: Roles in Pushing Tin and The Bone Collector
In 1999, Angelina Jolie starred in the comedy-drama Pushing Tin and co-starred in The Bone Collector.
1999: Starring role in Girl, Interrupted
In 1999, Angelina Jolie took the supporting role of Lisa, a sociopathic patient in a psychiatric hospital, in Girl, Interrupted.
1999: Academy Award for Girl, Interrupted
In 1999, Angelina Jolie won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Girl, Interrupted.
2000: Role in Gone in 60 Seconds
In 2000, Angelina Jolie appeared in Gone in 60 Seconds.
February 2001: Field Visit to Sierra Leone and Tanzania
In February 2001, Angelina Jolie went on her first field visit as part of her work with the UNHCR, embarking on an 18-day mission to Sierra Leone and Tanzania. During this trip, she witnessed firsthand the dire conditions faced by refugees, an experience that deeply shocked her and motivated her further in her humanitarian efforts.
August 27, 2001: Named UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
On August 27, 2001, Angelina Jolie was officially named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador at the UNHCR headquarters in Geneva. This appointment recognized her dedication and contributions to humanitarian work, particularly her efforts to support refugees worldwide.
2001: Appeared with father in Tomb Raider
In 2001, Angelina Jolie and Jon Voight reconciled when they appeared together in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
2001: Starring Role in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider
In 2001, Angelina Jolie starred in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, establishing her as a leading lady.
2001: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Release
In 2001, Angelina Jolie starred in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, launching her global reputation as a female action star.
2001: Role in Original Sin
In 2001, Angelina Jolie starred opposite Antonio Banderas in Original Sin.
2001: Field Visits
In 2001, Angelina Jolie started her field visits to learn more about the conditions in international trouble spots.
August 2002: Inaugural Humanitarian Award from the Church World Service
In August 2002, Angelina Jolie received the inaugural Humanitarian Award from the Church World Service's Immigration and Refugee Program, recognizing her humanitarian work.
2002: Advocacy for Refugees
In 2002, Angelina Jolie articulated her goal to raise awareness about the plight of refugees, emphasizing their resilience and deservingness of commendation rather than disdain.
2002: Role in Life or Something Like It
In 2002, Angelina Jolie starred in the romantic comedy Life or Something Like It.
October 2003: Citizen of the World Award
In October 2003, Angelina Jolie was the first recipient of the Citizen of the World Award by the United Nations Correspondents Association, acknowledging her global impact.
October 2003: Publication of 'Notes from My Travels'
In October 2003, Angelina Jolie's book, "Notes from My Travels," was published, chronicling her field visits from 2001-2002. It was released in conjunction with her humanitarian drama "Beyond Borders."
2003: Became patron of the Harnas Wildlife Foundation
After filming Beyond Borders (2003) in Namibia, Jolie became patron of the Harnas Wildlife Foundation, a wildlife orphanage and medical center in the Kalahari Desert.
2003: Lobbying in Washington D.C.
From 2003 onwards, Angelina Jolie started lobbying for humanitarian interests in Washington D.C.
2003: Purchase of Property in Cambodia
In 2003, Angelina Jolie purchased a property in Cambodia for her adopted son, later expanded to a wildlife reserve.
2003: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life and Beyond Borders releases
In 2003, Angelina Jolie reprised her role as Lara Croft in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life. She also starred in Beyond Borders, a film to bring attention to humanitarian causes.
2003: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life Release
In 2003, Jolie starred in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life.
2004: Appeared in four films
In 2004, Angelina Jolie appeared in four films: Taking Lives, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Shark Tale, and Alexander. These roles showcased her versatility in thrillers, science fiction, animation, and historical dramas.
2004: Started Flying Lessons
In 2004, Angelina Jolie began taking flying lessons with the aim of being able to fly aid workers and food supplies around the world.
2004: Voice role in Shark Tale
In 2004, Angelina Jolie had a voice role in the animated film Shark Tale.
2004: Films Released
In 2004, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and Alexander were released.
2004: Offer of Cambodian Nationality
In 2004, then-Prime Minister Hun Sen offered Angelina Jolie Cambodian nationality due to her humanitarian work in the country.
October 2005: Global Humanitarian Award by the UNA-USA
In October 2005, Angelina Jolie was awarded the Global Humanitarian Award by the UNA-USA, in recognition of her humanitarian efforts.
2005: Supported the launch of similar initiative
From 2005 to 2007, Angelina Jolie funded the launch of a similar initiative, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants' National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children.
2005: Opened a school and boarding facility for girls
In 2005, Angelina Jolie funded a school and boarding facility for girls at Kakuma refugee camp in northwestern Kenya.
2005: Starred in Mr. & Mrs. Smith
In 2005, Angelina Jolie starred in Mr. & Mrs. Smith with Brad Pitt. In 2015, they starred in "By The Sea" together, marking their first collaboration since Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
2005: Mr. & Mrs. Smith Release
In 2005, Jolie starred in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, which was commercially successful.
2005: Granted Cambodian Citizenship
In 2005, King Norodom Sihamoni granted Angelina Jolie Cambodian citizenship through a royal decree, completing the process.
February 2006: Opened Maddox Chivan Children's Center
In February 2006, Angelina Jolie opened the Maddox Chivan Children's Center, a medical and educational facility for children affected by HIV, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
September 2006: Established Jolie-Pitt Foundation
In September 2006, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt established the Jolie-Pitt Foundation to support various causes.
November 2006: Expanded Maddox Jolie Project
In November 2006, Angelina Jolie expanded the scope of the Maddox Jolie Project, renaming it the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation (MJP), to create Asia's first Millennium Village.
2006: Increased Likability and Recognizability
By 2006, Angelina Jolie's Q Score nearly doubled to 25, and she was familiar to 81% of Americans. Also in 2006, Jolie, together with Pitt, was found to be the favorite celebrity endorser for brands and products worldwide in a global industry survey.
2006: Starred in The Good Shepherd
In 2006, Angelina Jolie played a supporting role as the neglected wife of a CIA officer in Robert De Niro's The Good Shepherd.
2006: Celebrity Endorsement and Spokesmodel
In 2006, a global industry survey revealed Jolie and Pitt as favorite celebrity endorsers. Jolie also became the face of St. John and Shiseido from 2006 to 2008.
June 2007: Joined Council on Foreign Relations
In June 2007, Angelina Jolie joined the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and hosted a symposium on international law and justice.
September 2007: Co-Chaired the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict
In September 2007, Angelina Jolie co-chaired the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, aiming to support education programs in conflict-affected regions, at the Clinton Global Initiative's annual meeting.
November 2007: Freedom Award from the International Rescue Committee
In November 2007, Angelina Jolie received the Freedom Award from the International Rescue Committee, celebrating her contributions to humanitarian causes.
2007: Millennium Village Progress
By mid-2007, approximately 6,000 villagers and 72 employees were residing and working at the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation (MJP) in Cambodia, supported by Jolie's funding.
2007: Funded the launch of a similar initiative
From 2005 to 2007, Angelina Jolie funded the launch of a similar initiative, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants' National Center for Refugee and Immigrant Children.
2007: Directed A Place in Time
In 2007, Angelina Jolie directed the documentary A Place in Time.
2007: Role in A Mighty Heart
In 2007, Angelina Jolie gained praise for her dramatic performance in A Mighty Heart.
2007: Starred in A Mighty Heart and Beowulf
In 2007, Angelina Jolie starred as Mariane Pearl in A Mighty Heart and also played Grendel's mother in Beowulf.
2007: Beowulf Release
In 2007, Beowulf, one of Jolie's most commercially successful films, was released, relying partly on her sex appeal.
October 2008: Co-Chaired Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)
Since October 2008, Angelina Jolie has co-chaired Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), providing legal aid to unaccompanied minors in immigration proceedings.
2008: Starred in Changeling
In 2008, Angelina Jolie starred in Clint Eastwood's drama Changeling and also voiced Tigress in Kung Fu Panda film series.
2008: Role in Wanted and Kung Fu Panda
In 2008, Angelina Jolie starred in the action film Wanted, and had a voice role in Kung Fu Panda.
2008: Highest-paid actress and starred in Wanted
In 2008, Angelina Jolie was the highest-paid actress and starred in the action film Wanted, which was an international success.
2008: Films Released
In 2008, Jolie starred in Changeling, Kung Fu Panda, and Wanted.
2008: Spokesmodel and Time 100
In 2008, Jolie was the face of St. John and Shiseido since 2006. Jolie was among the Time 100, a list of the most influential people in the world as published by Time, also in 2008.
2009: Most Powerful Celebrity
In 2009, Forbes named Angelina Jolie the world's most powerful celebrity in its Celebrity 100 issue. Forbes additionally cited her as Hollywood's highest-paid actress in 2009, with estimated annual earnings of $27 million.
March 2010: Opened primary schools in Afghanistan
In March 2010, Angelina Jolie opened two primary schools for girls in Afghanistan.
December 2010: Established Shiloh Jolie-Pitt Foundation
In December 2010, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt established the Shiloh Jolie-Pitt Foundation to support conservation efforts by the Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary in Namibia.
2010: Role in Salt
In 2010, Angelina Jolie starred in the action film Salt.
2010: Starred in The Tourist
In 2010, Angelina Jolie starred opposite Johnny Depp in The Tourist, which was a critical failure but commercially successful internationally. She also received a Golden Globe nomination.
2010: Facilitated Child Protection Efforts in Haiti
In wake of the 2010 earthquake the Jolie Legal Fellows, facilitated child protection efforts in Haiti
January 2011: Established the Jolie Legal Fellowship
In January 2011, Angelina Jolie established the Jolie Legal Fellowship, a network of lawyers advocating for human rights.
October 2011: Recognition as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
In October 2011, Angelina Jolie was presented with a gold pin by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, recognizing her decade as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
2011: Inspired Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative
Angelina Jolie's Bosnian war drama In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011) inspired Foreign Secretary William Hague to campaign on the issue of sexual violence.
2011: Directed In the Land of Blood and Honey
In 2011, Angelina Jolie directed and wrote the war drama In the Land of Blood and Honey.
2011: Feature directorial debut with In the Land of Blood and Honey
In 2011, Angelina Jolie made her feature directorial debut with In the Land of Blood and Honey, set during the Bosnian War.
2011: In the Land of Blood and Honey Directed
In 2011, Jolie directed In the Land of Blood and Honey.
2011: Endorsement Deal and Highest-Paid Actress
In 2011, Jolie secured a $10 million endorsement deal with Louis Vuitton. Forbes listed her as Hollywood's highest-paid actress in 2011, with estimated annual earnings of $30 million.
April 17, 2012: Promoted to Special Envoy to High Commissioner
On April 17, 2012, Angelina Jolie was promoted to the rank of Special Envoy to High Commissioner António Guterres, marking the first appointment to such a position within the UNHCR. This promotion expanded her role, granting her authority to represent Guterres and the UNHCR at the diplomatic level, with a specific focus on major refugee crises.
May 2012: Launched Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI)
In May 2012, Angelina Jolie launched the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) with Foreign Secretary William Hague.
November 2012: Opened primary schools in Afghanistan
In November 2012, Angelina Jolie opened two primary schools for girls in Afghanistan.
April 2013: Proceeds from Style of Jolie Collection Benefited the Partnership
Since April 2013, all proceeds from Angelina Jolie's high-end jewelry collection, Style of Jolie, have benefited the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict's work.
November 2013: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
In November 2013, Angelina Jolie received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, an honorary Academy Award, from the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
2013: KIND Became Principal Provider
By 2013, KIND had become the principal provider of pro bono lawyers for immigrant children.
2013: Campaign Against Sexual Violence
In 2013, Angelina Jolie fronted a campaign against sexual violence in military conflict zones by the UK government.
2013: The Angelina Effect
In 2013, Angelina Jolie's announcement of her mastectomy led to a significant increase in BRCA gene testing, dubbed "The Angelina Effect."
2013: Highest-Paid Actress
In 2013, Forbes cited Jolie as Hollywood's highest-paid actress, with estimated annual earnings of $33 million.
2013: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
In 2013, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored Jolie with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
June 2014: Co-chaired Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict
In June 2014, Angelina Jolie co-chaired the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, resulting in a protocol endorsed by 151 nations.
June 2014: Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George
In June 2014, Angelina Jolie was appointed an Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (DCMG) for her services to the UK's foreign policy and campaigning to end sexual violence in war zones.
2014: Directed Unbroken
In 2014, Angelina Jolie directed Unbroken, a film about Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic track star and World War II soldier. Louis Zamperini also passed away in 2014.
2014: Starred in Maleficent
In 2014, Angelina Jolie starred in Maleficent, a live-action re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty, which became her highest-grossing film ever.
2015: Directed and starred in By the Sea
In 2015, Angelina Jolie directed and starred in By the Sea with her husband, Brad Pitt, marking their first collaboration since Mr. & Mrs. Smith. It was not well-received by critics.
2015: Founded Jolie Pitt Dalton Helic
In 2015, Angelina Jolie founded Jolie Pitt Dalton Helic, a partnership dedicated to women's rights and international justice.
May 2016: Appointed Visiting Professor at London School of Economics
In May 2016, Angelina Jolie was appointed a visiting professor at the London School of Economics to contribute to a postgraduate degree program on Women, Peace and Security.
2016: Continued role in Kung Fu Panda franchise
In 2016, Angelina Jolie continued her voice role in the Kung Fu Panda franchise.
2017: Directed First They Killed My Father
In 2017, Angelina Jolie directed First They Killed My Father, a drama set during Cambodia's Khmer Rouge era, combining her interests in film and humanitarian work.
2017: First They Killed My Father Directed
In 2017, Jolie directed First They Killed My Father.
2019: Reprised role in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
In 2019, Angelina Jolie reprised the role of Maleficent in the Disney sequel Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.
2019: Role in Maleficent sequel
In 2019, Angelina Jolie starred in the Maleficent sequel.
2019: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Release
In 2019, Jolie starred in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.
September 2020: Donation to Yemen Fundraiser
In September 2020, Angelina Jolie donated to two young boys who were running a lemonade stand in London to raise money for the people of Yemen.
May 2021: Starred in Those Who Wish Me Dead
In May 2021, Angelina Jolie starred as a smokejumper in Taylor Sheridan's action thriller Those Who Wish Me Dead.
September 2, 2021: Release of 'Know Your Rights and Claim Them'
On September 2, 2021, Angelina Jolie and Amnesty International released a children's rights book titled "Know Your Rights and Claim Them", co-authored with Geraldine Van Bueren.
November 2021: Starred in Eternals
In November 2021, Angelina Jolie played Thena in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film Eternals.
February 2022: Visited Washington, D.C. for Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act
In February 2022, Angelina Jolie and her daughter Zahara visited Washington, D.C. for the Senate introduction of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act.
March 2022: Visited Ukrainian Children at Vatican Hospital
In March 2022, Angelina Jolie visited Ukrainian children at the Vatican Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù and expressed her hope for an end to the war.
May 2022: Visited Lviv, Ukraine
In May 2022, Angelina Jolie visited Lviv, Ukraine to meet with displaced and hospitalized children.
December 2022: Resigned from UNHCR Ambassadorship
In December 2022, Angelina Jolie resigned from her role as UNHCR ambassador, while pledging to continue advocating for refugees.
2024: Directed Without Blood and Produced The Outsiders
In 2024, Angelina Jolie directed Without Blood and produced the musical The Outsiders, winning a Tony Award for Best Musical.
2024: Role in Maria
In 2024, Angelina Jolie is recognized for her dramatic performance in Maria.
2024: Won Tony Award for The Outsiders and Directed Without Blood
In 2024, Angelina Jolie was a producer on The Outsiders, which won the Tony Award for Best Musical. She also wrote, produced, and directed the war drama Without Blood.
