Angelina Jolie pays tribute to her late mom Marcheline Bertrand

Angelina Jolie paid tribute to her late mother Marcheline Bertrand.

On Monday, December 2 the Oscar-winning actress received the Gotham Awards’ Performer Tribute for her performance as opera singer Maria Callas in biopic Maria.

While giving her acceptance speech Jolie mentioned how her late mom has influenced her life and career.

"It's wonderful to be here in New York where Maria Callas was born and lived most of her life on what would have been her 101st birthday," Jolie said of the legendary singer. "I'm very honored to be here with fellow artists, celebrating independent filmmaking."

The Maleficent actress mentioned that she grew up going to opera with her mother.

"I grew up with a mother who kept books inside the oven because there were more books in our house than shelves in the apartment we had," she noted.

The actress went on to say, "And it was how she solved the problem, while still making sure we were fed. But it was her priority. She took me to theater. She told me about meeting Tennessee Williams and she introduced me to the Lee Strasberg Institute, where I would later study."

Concluding her moving speech, Jolie added, "So in Maria's memory, thinking of my mom ... for all those who teach and inspire art in others, all the young artists growing up and everyone in this room who celebrates creativity and expression, I am really, really honored to be here with all of you and to be a part of this community."