Brad Pitt Behind Angelina Jolie’s Oscar Nominations. A Secret War in Hollywood.

Hollywood has always been a battlefield of egos, talent, and influence, but few rivalries have intrigued audiences as much as the one between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Their high-profile divorce and ongoing legal battles have dominated tabloids, but an underreported aspect of their story is the behind-the-scenes battle for Oscar glory.

For years, fans and industry insiders have speculated that Brad Pitt secretly influenced Angelina Jolie’s Oscar nominations—both positively and negatively. Was Pitt a supportive partner in her quest for cinematic excellence, or was there an undercurrent of competition that shaped their careers? In this deep dive, we explore how Hollywood politics, personal ambitions, and secret rivalries may have played a significant role in Jolie’s journey to the Academy Awards.

Brad Pitt’s Influence on Angelina Jolie’s Oscar Campaigns

Hollywood Power Couples and Award Season Politics

Hollywood isn’t just about talent; it’s about strategy, connections, and influence. Major studios and actors often engage in aggressive Oscar campaigns, lobbying the Academy through media exposure, screenings, and carefully crafted narratives. When Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were together, they were one of Hollywood’s most powerful couples. Their combined star power commanded attention, but it also meant they had to navigate the complex politics of award season.

Pitt, who has had multiple Oscar nominations and wins, has long been a strategic player in Hollywood. As a producer and actor, he has built strong relationships with Academy members, directors, and studios. This influence extended to Jolie’s career, particularly when she was vying for Best Actress and Best Director nominations.

Brad Pitt’s Support of Angelina Jolie’s Oscar Nominations

During their marriage, Pitt appeared to be a supportive partner in Jolie’s award pursuits. When she starred in critically acclaimed films such as Changeling (2008) and Maleficent (2014), Pitt allegedly played a role in ensuring her performances received the recognition they deserved.

• 2009 Academy Awards: Angelina Jolie was nominated for Best Actress for Changeling. Pitt, who was also nominated that year for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, reportedly helped navigate the Oscar campaign circuit. Industry insiders suggested that Pitt’s relationships with Academy members and his public praise for Jolie’s performance helped her secure the nomination.

• 2012 Academy Awards: Jolie’s directorial debut, In the Land of Blood and Honey, was submitted for consideration in multiple categories. While it did not receive a nomination, there were reports that Pitt—who had also campaigned for Moneyball that year—tried to push for her recognition in directing circles.

For a time, it seemed like Pitt and Jolie were working as a Hollywood power couple, helping each other’s careers flourish. But as their marriage deteriorated, so did their collaborative efforts.

The Fallout: Did Brad Pitt Hinder Angelina Jolie’s Oscar Chances?

A Divorce That Changed Hollywood Alliances

When Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie divorced in 2016, it wasn’t just a personal split—it was a seismic shift in Hollywood. Jolie had long been seen as a strong, independent force, but her reputation took a hit in the press following allegations of a messy custody battle. Meanwhile, Pitt’s image was carefully managed, allowing him to maintain his standing in the industry.

This shift had a noticeable impact on Jolie’s Oscar campaigns.

• 2015 Academy Awards: Jolie’s Unbroken, a film she directed with hopes of a Best Director nomination, was critically praised but snubbed by the Academy. Some insiders speculated that Pitt’s increasing distance from Jolie’s career affected her ability to secure the nomination.

• 2017 Academy Awards: After their divorce, Pitt’s Plan B production company continued to thrive, winning Best Picture for Moonlight. Meanwhile, Jolie’s First They Killed My Father, a passion project about Cambodian genocide, received minimal attention from the Academy. Some industry sources suggested that Pitt’s connections were no longer being used to bolster Jolie’s career, leaving her to fight an uphill battle alone.

A Secret War in Hollywood: Brad Pitt vs. Angelina Jolie in the Awards Race

Competing Narratives and Hollywood’s Power Struggles

Since their split, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have remained at odds, not just legally but in the industry itself. Their public images have been shaped by competing narratives—Pitt as a respected industry veteran and Jolie as an activist-filmmaker with a more polarizing reputation.

• Pitt’s Oscar Victory in 2020: When Pitt won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, it marked his triumphant return to Hollywood’s elite. His award-season speeches were filled with charm, humor, and carefully crafted humility—winning over Academy voters.

• Jolie’s Absence from Oscar Buzz: In contrast, Jolie has taken a step back from Hollywood’s traditional Oscar campaigns. While she has continued directing and acting, her projects have not been heavily pushed for Academy recognition. Some speculate that she has become disillusioned with Hollywood politics, choosing instead to focus on humanitarian work and independent projects.

This stark difference raises questions: Was Brad Pitt actively working against Jolie’s Oscar chances, or was he simply benefiting from a system that had turned against her?

Did Brad Pitt’s influence extend to the Academy?

Hollywood is a world of whispers, favors, and behind-the-scenes deals. Some industry insiders believe that Brad Pitt’s continued dominance in Hollywood may have indirectly hurt Jolie’s Oscar chances.

• Industry Bias: The Academy has historically favored male actors and directors, making it harder for women, especially those like Jolie who have been vocal about industry injustices.
• Whisper Campaigns: Some believe that negative press surrounding Jolie post-divorce played a role in dampening her award momentum.
• Pitt’s Industry Power: As a producer, Pitt has control over projects, relationships, and publicity strategies—elements that can make or break an Oscar campaign.

While there is no concrete evidence that Pitt actively worked against Jolie, it’s clear that their split created a rift in Hollywood’s power dynamics. Jolie’s path to future Oscar nominations may now be more challenging than ever.

Conclusion: A Hollywood Rivalry That Continues to Shape Careers

The story of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Oscar nominations is more than just a tale of Hollywood awards—it’s a reflection of power, influence, and gender politics in the entertainment industry. While Pitt continues to dominate as a Hollywood heavyweight, Jolie has carved a more unconventional path, prioritizing meaningful projects over industry accolades.

Yet, as history has shown, Hollywood loves a comeback. Could Angelina Jolie return to the Oscar race stronger than ever, defying the odds once again? And if she does, will she finally step out of Brad Pitt’s shadow in the eyes of the Academy?

One thing is certain: the secret war in Hollywood between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie is far from over.