American actress Angelina Jolie was in Shanghai yesterday with her long-time partner Brad Pitt to promote her latest film, Maleficent, and was surprised with a little birthday celebration to go along with her promotional work.

Jolie's stop in Shanghai marks the actress' first trip to Mainland China and appears to mark the end of Pitt's unspoken ban from the country after he starred in the 1997 film Seven Years in Tibet.

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On Tuesday, the Maleficent star took part in a press conference and photo op at the Peninsula Hotel in Shanghai.

Decked out in a black Michael Kors dress and custom, gold Louboutin shoes made especially for the actress for her Asian portion of the film promotion, Jolie answered questions about her role in the movie stating that the part she played in Maleficent is her favorite to date and possibly "the most emotional female villain ever on film."

At the press conference in Shanghai, the Academy Award winner was presented with a surprise Maleficent-themed birthday cake in celebration of her 39^th birthday which falls on June 4^th.

Maleficent details the untold story of one of Disney's most iconic villains from the classic Sleeping Beauty, and reveals the events which led to Maleficent's journey from good to evil.  

Angelina Jolie has won an Academy Award and three Golden Globes, marking her as one of Hollywood's most talented actresses.

However, rumor has it that the actress usually considered as Hollywood royalty may be retiring from the craft very soon as Jolie implied to British Vogue that her much-anticipated role in an upcoming movie about Cleopatra could possibly be her last.

Even if the newly-turned-39 star does decide to retire soon, no doubt her brood of six children as well as her extensive humanitarian work will keep her more than occupied in coming years.

TagsAngelina Jolie, birthday, Maleficent, movie, Brad Pitt, Asia