Angelina Jolie’s2014 highlights

CEBU, Philippines - 2014 has been a big year for Angelina Jolie, but the most notable change for the actress-turned-activist-turned-director-turned-Mrs. Brad Pitt may surprise you. It had nothing to do with movies or marriage. It had everything to do with her oldest, Maddox, turning 13.

“My son became a teenager,” Jolie noted to People magazine. “That was a marker in my year.”

Naturally, her wedding to longtime love, Pitt, also nabbed a spot near the top of her list, though even that event was anchored by her kids. Reflecting on what a key role the children played during the summer ceremony at their family chateau in France, Jolie was full of praise.

“They did a really good job!” she gushed. “For us there was no need to be married — that’s what was so lovely. The eight of us celebrated, and Brad and I committed our lives to the children.”

She went on to explain exactly why this event made such an impression on her, and that, too, was related to her children.

“I was extremely moved by how happy it made them,” she recalled. “I couldn’t imagine that growing up with my parents — the idea that you’re happy about them being together, their joy. I didn’t grow up thinking that was possible.”

Of course, not all of her milestones were related to motherhood. Directing “Unbroken,” a World War II drama about Olympic runner and prisoner of war Louis Zamperini, proved to be another brightly-colored feather in her cap. Calling the biopic “the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Jolie revealed what made the film so daunting was posing the question, “How do you get this man’s huge life into one film?”

Still, her hard work paid off. “Sitting with Louie in the hospital, showing him ‘Unbroken,’ that was probably one of the greatest moments of my life,” she said. (Zamperini died in July at the age of 97.)

Though this isn’t her first foray behind the camera, it is, to date, her biggest. And while she isn’t finished acting just yet, she definitely hopes to spend more time on the other side of the lens in the future.

“There are a few more acting roles I’d like to do, and then I’m very happy to put that part of my life behind me,” she mused before adding, “I’ve loved being an actor, but I’m happier shining a light on other actors.”

She has aspirations beyond the film set, too, and has already started dipping her toes in the political pool. In June, the mother of six hosted a summit to fight sexual violence. Speculating about a possible future in politics, Jolie left her intentions a bit open-ended. “I have no intention of being anything other than what I am now,” she stated. “But I do want to make change, so I’m open to whatever role that may take.”

Crediting Zamperini with teaching her an important lesson, she added, “We’re not alone in the world. I don’t know if there’s a name for that — religion or faith — just that there’s something greater than all of us, and it’s uniting and beautiful.”

But just because it’s been a momentous year for Jolie doesn’t mean she hasn’t had challenges. For one thing, both Maddox and nine-year-old Zahara have started expressing an interest in following in their parents’ footsteps… and getting inked.

“They’re already asking me about tattoos,” Jolie admitted to Radio Times. “How do I say, ‘No?’” The heavily inked mother quickly noted, “It’s especially hard for dads and girls. For some reason men get more sensitive when the daughter gets a tattoo. And Brad thinks the girls can do no wrong. He’s mush in their hands!”

As usual, Jolie is keeping it all in perspective. “More than anything, like any mom, I’m just happy the kids are healthy,” she said. “I married their dad. My health is good.”

With the milestones of motherhood topping her tally of most important moments this year, does she plan to have more children? “I don’t imagine so,” she quipped. “But something could change tomorrow, so I don’t know.” (FREEMAN)