A GOLDEN ERA

As she turns 50, Angelina Jolie is in the prime of her life – watching her children thrive, feeling fulfilled in her film and humanitarian work and happy without romance... for now

- LAURA BENJAMIN

Ten years ago, as Angelina Jolie was entering her 40s, her star could not have been higher. She and Brad Pitt were the hottest couple in Hollywood and she was the queen of the red carpet – her every move analysed and every outfit sparking a fashion trend.

A decade later, as the actress prepares to turn 50, things are very different.

Single since her marriage to Brad imploded amid a flurry of accusations in 2016 – two years after they tied the knot – Angelina has also flipped the spotlight away from herself, spending less time on film sets to ensure that she is present for her six children.

Content to live a quiet life in Los Angeles with Maddox, 23, Pax, 21, Zahara, 20, Shiloh, 19, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 16, she has reduced her time on screen but continued her charitable work while keeping her private life under wraps.

She and Brad were involved in a legal battle over everything from their French vineyard to child custody until a final settlement was reached last December.

Now, shortly after she returned to the Cannes Film Festival for the first time in 14 years, friends tell us that this new, understated Angelina is at peace about reaching her half-century and content to celebrate with just her children by her side.

OLDER AND WISER

“Turning 50 feels like a real milestone for her,” a friend of the star tells HELLO!. “It’s not something to fear, but something she’s fully embracing. She’s not trying to turn back the clock. If anything, she’s leaning into this next chapter with clarity and strength.

“It’s been a time of reflection, thinking about how she wants to spend her time and where her energy goes. She feels grounded, grateful and more open than ever to whatever's next.