The long-standing tension between Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie is once again making headlines, as sources close to the stars reveal that the animosity between the two Hollywood icons is far from over. With Jolie gaining critical acclaim and Oscar buzz for her recent role in the 2024 biopic Maria, insiders say the decades-old rivalry has reached a new level of intensity.
The bad blood between the Friends alum and the Maleficent star dates back to 2004, when Brad Pitt, Aniston’s then-husband, met Jolie on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Their on-screen chemistry sparked real-life rumors that ultimately led to the dissolution of Pitt and Aniston’s five-year marriage in early 2005. Jolie and Pitt later confirmed their relationship, leaving Aniston at the center of a public heartbreak that fueled a media frenzy and divided fans for years.
While time has passed, the wounds—at least emotionally—appear to remain open. A source close to the situation says the tension between the two women has been reignited by Jolie’s recent return to the spotlight. Her performance in Maria has not only earned her widespread praise but has also reintroduced her to award-season conversations, much to the frustration of Aniston.
“The bad blood is still boiling big-time,” the insider shared, adding that Aniston is finding it harder to rally support the way she once did. “It’s a hell of a lot harder for her to recruit people into the ‘I Hate Angelina’ club these days.”
Two decades ago, public sympathy overwhelmingly leaned toward Aniston. She was perceived as the wronged woman in a very public breakup, while Jolie was cast in the role of the homewrecker. But the narrative has shifted. Jolie has since evolved into a respected humanitarian and filmmaker, and her career choices have often showcased depth and complexity, gaining her a different kind of respect within the industry and among fans.
Meanwhile, Aniston, though still widely loved and respected, hasn’t commanded the same level of prestige in recent years. Her projects have largely stayed within the realm of television and romantic comedies, and while successful, they haven’t propelled her into the type of critical acclaim Jolie is currently enjoying.
According to insiders, this change in public perception has added another layer to the ongoing resentment. Aniston reportedly feels sidelined by Hollywood’s current embrace of Jolie, especially as the awards season spotlight grows brighter.
“There’s zero chance of a reconciliation,” the source confirmed. “Neither of them is interested in moving on or pretending like the past didn’t happen.”
While both actresses have mostly kept things professional in public, the private tension is said to be palpable whenever their names are brought up in the same conversation. Industry insiders note that even after all these years, there's an unspoken rivalry that influences how projects, appearances, and even friendships are navigated in Hollywood circles.
Though Brad Pitt is no longer romantically linked to either woman—having separated from Jolie in 2016—the triangle that once defined early 2000s celebrity culture still looms large in the public imagination. With Jolie’s potential Oscar nomination on the horizon, media outlets and fans alike are closely watching how both actresses will navigate the renewed attention.
For Jolie, the spotlight is currently shining on her artistic achievements, with Maria positioning her as a frontrunner in this year's awards season. For Aniston, however, the attention is a harsh reminder of old wounds—and a rivalry that, despite the passage of time, continues to cast a long shadow over both their lives.
As Hollywood gears up for another season of red carpets and golden statues, the off-screen drama between these two stars may once again steal the show. One thing is clear: when it comes to Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie, the past is anything but behind them.
