Natalie Portman Calls Out Oscars For Lack Of Recognition For Female Directors

The Academy Awards have been under fire from Natalie Portman for failing to include female-directed films in their 2026 nominations. On January 24, she was giving a press conference at the Sundance picture Festival, where her most recent picture, The Gallerist, premiered. The actor made these remarks days after the announcement of the nominees. She raised attention to what she perceives as pervasive obstacles for female filmmakers and questioned the Oscars selection process.

Natalie Portman brought up the fact that a number of powerful films made by women were left off the list of nominees. Despite the fact that several of these films have received positive reviews, she pointed out that this trend of exclusion has continued.

Natalie Portman said that only Chlo Zhao's Hamnet, which received eight nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, was able to achieve significant attention, underscoring the lack of respect for female directors. She said that this highlights the larger obstacles that female filmmakers encounter in the systems of the industry.

ALSO READ - Sinners Becomes First Film In History To Earn 16 Oscar Nominations

Natalie Portman went on to say that the problem starts much earlier in the system and extends beyond visibility. She emphasised that barriers to recognition are ingrained in the film industry at several levels. The actor-producer gave examples of movies that the jury could've recognised, including The Testament of Ann Lee, Hedda, Left-Handed Girl, and Sorry Baby. She contended that these titles show the caliber and variety of work created by women over the previous 12 months.

ALSO READ - Frankenstein Bags 9 Oscars 2026 Nominations: Where To Watch Gothic Sci-Fi Movie On OTT?

Natalie Portman discussed a different and very important topic in addition to her critique of the Oscars. She criticised the activities of ICE officials after Renee Good was shot and killed in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. As she celebrated the release of her picture while the nation struggled with loss and rage, Portman characterised the situation as emotionally difficult. She publicly denounced what she called ICE's violence and demanded that it end right away.

Natalie Portman has acted in Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Black Swan, Thor, Knight of Cups and Song to Song, among others. The actor will be seen in Good Sex, which she is also producing.