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Angelina Jolie is reportedly in her social butterfly era thanks to Salma Hayek

But Brad Pitt might have something to do with the sudden change, too


Senior Writer
FEBRUARY 10, 2025 5:14 PM EST

Angelina Jolie is officially in her social butterfly era, and honestly, it's a refreshing shift. For years, the Oscar-winning actress had an untouchable aura. She wasn't exactly known for mingling with Hollywood's inner circle, and she even admitted that her best friends were her kids rather than A-list peers. Meanwhile, her ex, Brad Pitt, was rubbing elbows with George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio, and the rest of the industry's golden boys.  

But lately? Angelina is changing her tune. She's stepping into awards season with warmth, grace, and a whole new approach involving actual Hollywood friendships.  

Angelina Jolie, Massimo Cantini Parrini at the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards held at The Barker Hangar on February 7, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)© Variety via Getty Images
Angelina Jolie, Massimo Cantini Parrini at the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards held at The Barker Hangar on February 7, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)

At the Critics Choice Awards, she was spotted hugging Demi Moore and chatting with Zoe Saldaña. Just days before, she embraced Kate Winslet and Salma Hayek at the Golden Globes. And at the Palm Springs Film Awards, she cozied up to Nicole Kidman. Even at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, she made a point to stick close to Ava DuVernay.  

© Getty Images for FIJI Water
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: (L-R) Guest, Angelina Jolie, Marco Perego-Saldaña, and Zoe Saldana attend FIJI Water at The 30th Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on February 07, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for FIJI Water)

This isn't by accident. A Hollywood insider told DailyMail.com that Angelina is intentionally making new connections and actually enjoying it.  

"She knows what she's doing—it's on purpose," the source shared. "She loves making new female friends, and she has tremendous respect for her famous pals."  

A big influence? Salma Hayek 

Angelina and Salma became tight after working on "The Eternals," and Salma even stars in Angelina's upcoming directorial project, "Without Blood." Apparently, Salma is a mentor type who encourages her friends to put themselves out there, and it wouldn't be surprising if she nudged Angelina to warm up to Hollywood.  

© Mike Marsland/WireImage
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Salma Hayek, Chloe Zhao and Angelina Jolie attend the "Eternals" UK Premiere at BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)

But as much as Angelina is embracing her social side, she's also handling a professional letdown like a total pro.  

Despite glowing reviews for her role as Maria Callas in "Maria," Jolie was completely shut out of the Oscar nominations. No Best Actress nod, nothing. She also got snubbed at the SAG Awards, even though she worked the awards circuit harder than she has in years—hitting late-night shows, magazine covers, and major events.  

© Getty Images
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 05: Angelina Jolie attends the Maltin Modern Master Award ceremony honoring Angelina Jolie during the 40th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival at The Arlington Theatre on February 05, 2025 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

"Look at all the press she did—she wanted to get nominated," a source told Page Six. "She did 'Jimmy Fallon,' her first late-night show in over a decade. She even went to the Gotham Awards."  

The Academy's decision stings even more because some believe Hollywood still sides with Brad. One insider claimed, "This just shows that Hollywood is Team Brad. The Globes showed that the foreign press loves her, but that's not Hollywood. Nobody was going to go against Brad and give Angelina a vote."  

© Kevin MazurGetty Images

Of course, awards season is always full of surprises, and this year saw a wave of first-time nominees, which might have played a role in Angelina's snub.  

Regardless, she's not letting it slow her down. Instead of sulking, she's showing up, smiling, and proving that she's not going anywhere.

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