It was a big night for Angelina Jolie on Friday as she attended the London premiere of her new movie, Maria – and there was a familiar face lending her support on the red carpet.
The 49-year-old actress appeared at the star-studded premiere at the 68th BFI London Film Festival at The Royal Festival Hall, and her rumored boyfriend, Akala was also in attendance.
Angelina and the British rapper, 40, twinned in all-black outfits as they posed separately for photos, despite going' Instagram official' earlier this month when he attended a party that was hosted by Angelina for her company Atelier Jolie.
The actress looked chic wearing a blazer over a plunging waistcoat which she teamed with matching pants and heeled boots.
Akala, meanwhile, looked dapper in a turtleneck sweater worn under a double-breasted coat, dark jeans, and smart sneakers.
Angelina and Akala first sparked romance rumors in August when they were seen leaving her hotel together during the Venice International Film Festival.
At the time, In Touch claimed the two had been dating for “more than a year” after Akala joined Angelina and her daughters Zahara, 19, and Shiloh, 18, at the Calabash Literary Festival in Jamaica in May last year.
The duo was also said to have enjoyed dinner together in Milan six months later, sparking further curiosity about their connection.
However, according to TMZ, the pair are just good friends and Akala is reportedly in a relationship with Chanelle Newman, the co-founder and executive producer of his music and the Hip-hop Shakespeare Company.
Akala, whose real name is Kingslee James McLean Daley, first gained fame as a rapper before transitioning into political activism.
He has been a vocal supporter of social justice causes, even endorsing former Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn during the 2017 UK general election.
Notably, Akala is the younger brother of the acclaimed singer and rapper Ms. Dynamite, known for her string of hits in the early 2000s, including her debut album A Little Deeper, which won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize.
But Akala isn't the only man linked to Angelina recently. The Maleficent star has also been linked to Broadway composer Justin Levine, a Tony Award-winning talent who was involved in the production of The Outsiders, a musical that Angelina co-produced.
Despite the speculation surrounding her love life, Angelina has made it clear that she's cautious about diving back into the dating world.
Previously speaking to E! News, Angelina admitted: “I probably have a very long list [of 'nos']. I've been alone for a long time now.”
These latest romance rumors come five years after Angelina was declared legally single from Brad Pitt, following a high-profile split that has yet to see a finalized divorce due to ongoing custody battles.
The couple’s tumultuous relationship began on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith in 2004, when Brad was still married to Jennifer Aniston. Their undeniable chemistry led to a media frenzy and, eventually, to one of the most high-profile relationships in Hollywood.
The couple, often referred to as “Brangelina,” went on to have six children together — Maddox, 23, Pax, 20, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 16.
After nearly a decade together, they finally tied the knot in 2014 in an intimate ceremony at their Château Miraval estate in France. But just two years later, the marriage crumbled, with Angelina filing for divorce in 2016, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Angelina Jolie and Akala: A Continued Mystery
While it remains unclear whether their relationship is romantic, Jolie and Akala's appearances at various events together have sparked rumors. This latest sighting at the London Film Festival adds to the intrigue, with both stars opting to arrive and leave the event separately.
Despite the rumors, sources have repeatedly claimed that Jolie and Akala are simply good friends, with Akala reportedly in a relationship with Chanelle Newman, a fellow entrepreneur in the creative field.
Angelina Jolie: Navigating Romance and Career
Jolie's personal life has been the subject of much media attention, especially in light of her high-profile divorce from Brad Pitt. This has led to speculation regarding her romantic relationships, with various names linked to her in recent years.
However, Jolie has been open about her cautious approach to dating, stating that she has been alone for a while and has a long list of requirements for a potential partner.
Despite the ongoing speculation, Jolie continues to focus on her career, which includes her upcoming film, Maria.
Maria: Angelina Jolie’s Cinematic Journey
Maria is a biopic about the renowned opera singer Maria Callas, focusing on her final days in 1970s Paris. Jolie took on the challenging role, dedicating months to studying Callas's life and music, including learning six of her most famous arias.
The film marks the third installment in Chilean director Pablo Larraín's trilogy about iconic women, following Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana.
Maria is expected to be a major awards season contender, having garnered positive reviews since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
A Star on the Rise: Akala
Akala, known for his musical talents and political activism, has become a notable figure in British culture. He is the younger brother of Ms. Dynamite, a celebrated singer and rapper, and has been actively involved in social justice causes, earning him recognition and respect.
While his relationship with Jolie remains a source of speculation, his diverse career and commitment to social issues have positioned him as a rising star in his own right.
The Unfolding Story
The intrigue surrounding Jolie and Akala's relationship continues to captivate fans and the media. While Jolie remains focused on her career, with Maria poised for a successful release, the future of their rumored romance remains a mystery. As both stars continue to navigate their personal and professional lives, the public will undoubtedly be eager to see how their story unfolds.
