Hollywood actress and producer Natalie Portman has criticised this year’s Academy Awards nominations for failing to properly recognise films by women directors, saying the snubs reflect deeper barriers in the film industry.
Portman spoke out during a press event at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, where she is promoting her new film The Gallerist, directed by Cathy Yan and featuring an ensemble cast including Jenna Ortega, Sterling K. Brown, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The Gallerist premiered at the festival and is set for theatrical release later in 2026.
The actor, who also co-produced the film, expressed disappointment that many strong films directed by women were not recognised in the Oscars nominations. While Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao, received eight nominations and stands as the only female-directed film in the Best Picture and Best Director categories, Portman highlighted several other films she felt deserved recognition, including Sorry Baby, Left-Handed Girl, Hedda and The Testament of Ann Lee.
“So many of the best films I saw this year were made by women,” Portman said, urging greater representation within awards recognition and across the industry. She said exclusion often starts early in the filmmaking process, from financing to festival placement and awards consideration, creating systemic barriers for women filmmakers.
Portman’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about gender equity in Hollywood and the recognition of women’s work behind the camera. She has previously addressed similar issues at past awards ceremonies and through her advocacy in the industry.
In addition to her comments on the Oscars, Portman used the Sundance platform to condemn actions by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a fatal shooting in Minneapolis earlier this year. The incident, which involved the death of Renee Good during an enforcement operation, has sparked widespread protests and a national debate over federal immigration policy and use of force. Portman described the events as “horrific” and called for accountability, aligning her remarks with those by other film industry figures at the festival.
Portman is known for her roles in Black Swan, Thor and the Star Wars franchise and continues to expand her work as a producer. She is also involved in upcoming projects, including Good Sex.
