To say 2013 has been a big year for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie would be an understatement. In February, the actress underwent a preventative double mastectomy after genetic tests showed she had a high risk of developing breast cancer. In May, Jolie shared her story in a New York Times op-ed piece.
Given that her mother, Marcheline Bertrand, died of ovarian cancer in 2007, Jolie explained that she chose to be "proactive" in order to "minimize the risk" of suffering the same fate. "I certainly didn't realize how many people were dealing with this issue," Pitt later told E! News. "I'm really moved by it."
In June, Pitt hit a career milestone when World War Z premiered. The zombie flick debuted at No. 2 behind Monsters University, taking in $66.41 million—the largest opening weekend ever for the actor.
Both Pitt and Jolie have new projects in the pipeline: the former began shooting the World War II movie Fury, while the latter began production on her second directorial effort, Unbroken. Pitt, 49, also starred in and produced 12 Years a Slave, which earned more Independent Spirit Awards nominations than any other movie this year. Jolie next appears in Maleficent (her first movie since 2010); the trailer debuted online in November.
That same month, Jolie was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. "I will do as my mother asked and I will do the best I can with this life to be of use," the Oscar winner said. "And to stand here today means I did as she asked and if she were alive she'd be very proud, so thank you."
Pitt and Jolie—parents to Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Vivienne and Knox—capped off the year in December with a yachting trip in Sydney, Australia. Later that night, the family of eight visited the Sydney Zoo and enjopyed the "Roar & Snore" adventure packages, which included a sleepover after visiting the animal attractions.
For more Brangelina highlights, check out their Top Moments in 2013 gallery now!