Jolie recieves award for 'Mighty Heart' performance

Angelina Jolie travelled up the California coast to receive the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s “Performance of the Year” award.

The 32-year-old actress was honoured yesterday for her portrayal of Mariane Pearl, wife of slain journalist Daniel Pearl, in the film “A Mighty Heart.” It was one of numerous awards Jolie has received for the role, but among the few she has personally collected.

“To be honest, I just heard that it was a beautiful festival, and one to take seriously,” Jolie said.

The award was presented by Clint Eastwood, director of Jolie’s upcoming drama “The Changeling.”

“Clint Eastwood? Don’t get me started,” Jolie said. “I could talk forever about him. I could turn the whole evening into a Clint Eastwood evening. ... I think he’s just a genuinely great guy. He’s nice to everybody on set.”

Jolie arrived with her partner, Brad Pitt, who did not speak to the media but briefly posed with Jolie for photos.

She said dealing with the insanity of Hollywood was much easier with Pitt and their children at her side. “I think it’s the only way to juggle it,” she said.

Besides her film career, Jolie, who won an Oscar for her part in the 1999 film “Girl, Interrupted,” keeps busy with humanitarian efforts at home and abroad, including work with the United Nations as a goodwill ambassador.

Her friend, actor George Clooney, was recently named UN messenger of peace, but Jolie said she didn’t have a clue what he should expect from the role.

“I’m not sure exactly what his position is and what he’s gonna do,” she said. “But I know his heart is in the right place, and he’s truly committed.”

Jolie, who wore a black blouse and loose-fitting floor-length skirt, looked lean and not obviously pregnant. Publicists asked the media not to question her about reports that she may be pregnant again.