It was a “dream come true”, as Judith Collins bumped into Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie during a United Nations summit last week.

The Justice Minister was in London attending the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. Jolie was there in her capacity as UN special envoy, and her partner Pitt tagged along.

“I couldn’t believe it when I found myself talking to one of my heroes,” said Mr Pitt. “It was a dream come true.”

“I’ve followed Judith’s career right from the time when I was a struggling young actor and she was a respectable tax lawyer.

“I’m a huge fan of her work,” said Pitt. “She’s had so many fantastic roles. I loved her in Auckland District Law Society and its sequel New Zealand Law Society, and her performance as head of a powerful gambling organisation in Casino Control Authority was compelling.

“But it was her performances as a hard-nosed politician that left me truly spellbound.

“She was great in MP for Papakura, and its follow-up The Cabinet of Mr Key was a masterpiece in every way. She played the part of a tough and ambitious member of parliament who makes too many enemies and finds herself under attack from all sides. Her eventual downfall and gradual descent into madness were a joy to watch.”

Angelina Jolie said she had been “blown away” when Collins exchanged polite conversation with her.

“It was a great honour,” said Jolie. “Judith Collins is one of the great actors of her generation.

“I thought her performance in The Iron Lady was stunning.”