Actress and activist Angelina Jolie is "open" to the possibility of embarking on a career in politics because she understands public office is the only way to make a real change to global policies.

The newlywed Salt star has been working as a special envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (Unhcr) for years, and although she has been able to use her celebrity status to raise awareness about issues close to her heart, she admits running for office one day is a topic that has crossed her mind.

In a new interview with Vanity Fair magazine, she reveals, "When you work as a humanitarian, you are conscious that politics have to be considered. Because if you really want to make an extreme change, then you have a responsibility...

"I honestly don't know in what role I would be more useful - I am conscious of what I do for a living, and that (could) make it less possible..."

However, when pressed about pursuing a life in diplomacy or public office, she stated, "I am open."