Angelina Jolie used her appearance at the San Sebastián Film Festival to deliver pointed remarks about the political and cultural climate in the United States, expressing that she no longer fully recognizes the country she has long called home.
Jolie, who has often spoken out on global humanitarian issues, said her worry centers on the state of free expression. She warned that attempts to silence dissenting voices are becoming more frequent and more dangerous, particularly at a time she described as “very heavy” for both America and the world. According to her, protecting the right to speak openly is essential to preserving democratic values.
Reflecting on her own family, which includes children from different backgrounds and cultures, Jolie emphasized that diversity of thought and identity should be respected, not suppressed. She said silencing any group or individual because of their opinions or beliefs creates deeper divisions, adding that the U.S. must avoid falling into cycles of intolerance.
Jolie also underlined the importance of unity, urging Americans to engage in dialogue even when disagreements are sharp. She argued that without mutual respect and the protection of speech, the country risks eroding the freedoms that define it.
Her comments quickly drew attention, as they echoed broader concerns about polarization, censorship, and the struggle to maintain open discourse in the U.S. during an era of intense political conflict.