Angelina Jolie used a press conference at the San Sebastián International Film Festival to warn that free expression in the United States feels increasingly fragile, saying she loves her country but “doesn’t recognize it” at the moment. She described the atmosphere as “very heavy,” arguing that policies or pressures that curb speech or divide communities are “dangerous,” and urged care in how public debate is conducted.
Her remarks came while presenting Alice Winocour’s competition title Couture alongside cast and collaborators, an appearance confirmed by the festival ahead of the Sept. 21 screening. Jolie framed her comments in the context of a long international career and humanitarian work, positioning artistic freedom as essential to storytelling and to the exchange of ideas across borders.
The conversation unfolded amid a wider U.S. dispute over broadcast and speech issues following the suspension of a late-night program, which prompted protests and calls for consumer action against the parent company. Without referencing specific politicians or parties, Jolie said any government or corporate moves that chill expression are cause for concern, adding that a healthier civic dialogue depends on tolerance for viewpoints that audiences may dislike.
Jolie declined to spell out policy prescriptions, focusing instead on cultural responsibility and the role of artists in modeling open exchange. Asked about life beyond the U.S., she reiterated an affinity for working internationally but anchored her critique in American ideals, suggesting the present moment falls short of values she still embraces. She connected that outlook to Couture, noting that the film’s themes of identity and resilience resonated with the need to protect space for personal and creative expression, even when it invites controversy.
