Time may march on, but some stars never fade. On a cool Sunday evening in Toronto, all eyes were on the “Maleficent” actress as she stepped onto the red carpet and instantly reminded the world why she remains one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable figures.
At 50, Angelina Jolie caused a media meltdown on September 7 when she arrived at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, TIFF, in a daring look that instantly drew comparisons to her now-legendary 2012 Oscars appearance.
A netizen comment dated September 7, 2025 | Source: Instagram/hellomag
The “Maleficent” actress, known for redefining red carpet glamour, attended the world premiere of her latest film, “Couture,” at the Princess of Wales Theater. She sported a dramatic dark brown coat-style gown with a thigh-high slit, and let’s say — she didn’t just arrive, she conquered.
Angelina Jolie stuns at the premiere of “Couture” during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) at Princess of Wales Theater in Ontario on September 7 | Source: Getty Images
The Return of the Leg That Broke the Internet
Social media erupted within minutes, with fans drawing stunning comparisons to the moment Jolie stole the spotlight 13 years ago in a black Atelier Versace gown with the now-iconic slit that became a pop culture sensation.
“13 years after the 2012 Oscars, she’s back with her leg exposed in a sexy outfit. She looks just as beautiful now 🔥🔥🔥,” one admirer raved. “😮 This Jolie outfit is very similar to her 2012 Oscars outfit 👏,” another added.
Angelina Jolie arrives at the 84th Annual Academy Awards held at the Hollywood & Highland Center in California on February 26, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
But it wasn’t just the strategic leg pose that stirred emotions — Jolie’s striking icy blonde bob, understated makeup, and sleek black heels gave the entire ensemble a vibe that was both throwback and evolution.
A fan commented, “Angelina looks much better with blond hair, younger, I’d say. And this look is similar to her famous appearance at the Oscars 2012.” Another gleefully noted, “Sticking that infamous leg out again 😂.”
Angelina Jolie attends the premiere of “Couture” during the TIFF at Princess of Wales Theater in Toronto, Ontario on September 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
A Look That Sparked Cheers and Jeers
Of course, in the world of online opinion, not everyone was applauding. “She’s not aging well😢,” one commenter bluntly said, igniting fierce backlash from diehard fans. Another took a jab at her changing look, quipping, “Blonde, pared back makeup, understated clothes – shoo the Jennifer Anniston look 😊.”
But many fiercely defended the “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” star’s evolution. One fan pleaded, “I need her back on my screen as a vixen … I need the old Angelina back 🔥🔥👏👏❤️❤️.” Another declared, “She looks younger than Kate Middleton and her hair is amazing.”
Angelina Jolie interacts with the fans at the premiere of “Couture” during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theater in Ontario on September 7 | Source: Getty Images
‘As Long as You’re Being You’: Jolie Credits Her Kids for Her Style Confidence
Away from the flashing bulbs and fevered commentary, Angelina Jolie offered a glimpse into what really shapes her style: her six children. Speaking to E! News on the red carpet, she said:
“My house is very, ‘To each their own.’ […] As long as you’re being you, we’re good. If you’re dressing up to try to impress somebody else or be like somebody else, we would probably just call you out. But if you’re you, be you!”
Jolie, who shares Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne with ex Brad Pitt, continues to lead by example, championing individuality and self-expression.
Angelina Jolie attends the premiere of “Couture” during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theater on September 7 in Ontario | Source: Getty Images
Couture, Camera, Confidence: The Film That Brought Jolie Back
Jolie’s latest role comes only months after she made her long-awaited return to Hollywood, following her years-long break to recover from her bitter divorce. In “Couture,” her first film in years, the actress plays a woman confined mainly to a single black jacket — a stark contrast to her red carpet dramatics — but the actress says the film resonated deeply.
Angelina Jolie, Charles Gillibert, Zhang Xin, Ella Rumpf, Anyier Anei, and Alice Winocour pose on the red carpet at the premiere of “Couture” during the TIFF at Princess of Wales Theater in Toronto, Ontario on September 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
“I haven’t done a film so female, and we also had wonderful men in this film, but it’s very female and very united with females from different parts of the world,” she shared.
That global sisterhood message aligns with Jolie’s ongoing advocacy work, but make no mistake, style remains a weapon in her storytelling arsenal.
Angelina Jolie signs autographs during the premiere of “Couture” at the International Film Festival in Toronto held at the Princess of Wales Theater, Ontario on September 7, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Blonde Ambition: New Look, Same Angelina
Filming her role in her upcoming project, “Anxious People,” Jolie also debuted a frosty blonde bob that drew just as much buzz as her TIFF appearance. Paired with a cream wrap coat, bold red lips, and a statement gold brooch, her look screamed elegance with an edge.
Whether she’s flaunting a slit on the red carpet or donning quiet luxury on set, the Tony Award recipient has mastered the art of reinvention — proving that true icons never blend in. Thirteen years after that Oscars pose, she’s not just reliving the moment; she’s rewriting it.
