Angelina Jolie Cheers on Son Knox as He Wins Muay Thai Tournament on His 17th Birthday

Angelina Jolie celebrated a special milestone alongside her son Knox Jolie-Pitt, who marked his 17th birthday by winning a Muay Thai competition. The proud mother was seen supporting Knox on Saturday, July 12—the same day as his twin sister Vivienne’s birthday—showing her unwavering encouragement at the event.

The actress, 50, attended the tournament dressed casually in a long black-sleeve shirt and black pants, sporting sunglasses and a warm smile as she posed for photos with event staff. Knox’s victory was a standout moment for the family, who have always shown strong support for each other’s passions and accomplishments.

Jolie, mother to six children—Maddox (23), Pax (21), Zahara (20), Shiloh (18), and twins Knox and Vivienne (17)—has openly discussed the unique challenges and joys of raising her large family. Earlier this year, during a panel at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Jolie reflected on the time she sold photos of newborn twins Knox and Vivienne to PEOPLE and Hello! magazine to benefit charity. “It was a strange thing to have to do or to do, but it was kind of the better option, but also it was for their safety,” she explained. The decision, she said, was made out of concern for the twins’ security, preferring to control the situation in a safe and positive way.

In addition to celebrating her children’s achievements, Jolie has been candid about sharing her emotions with her kids. Speaking with the BBC in December about her work on the biopic Maria, where her eldest sons Maddox and Pax served as production assistants, she revealed that the experience allowed her to express pain in a way her children hadn’t previously seen. “They’ve seen me go through a lot of things, but they hadn’t experienced me expressing a lot of the pain that usually a parent hides from a child,” Jolie shared.

She described this openness as “an even greater way” to be honest with her children. Thankfully, Maddox and Pax were supportive throughout those emotional moments, offering comfort by hugging her or bringing her cups of tea.

As Knox and Vivienne step further into adulthood, moments like these highlight the strong bond within the Jolie-Pitt family and Angelina’s dedication to nurturing and supporting her children through every triumph and challenge.