Natalie Portman criticizes Oscars 2026 for overlooking women filmmakers

Hollywood actress Natalie Portman has criticized the Oscars 2026 for not properly recognizing women filmmakers. She raised the issue during a press conference at the Sundance Film Festival for her new film The Gallerist.

Portman said several strong films by women directors were ignored this year. While Hamnet, directed by Chloe Zhao, received eight nominations, broader representation of women in awards was missing. She cited films such as Sorry Baby, Left-Handed Girl, Hedda and The Testament of Ann Lee as examples that deserved recognition.

Portman added that exclusion begins early in the industry and continues at higher levels, affecting awards recognition.

During the same event, she condemned the actions of US ICE authorities after the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis on January 7, calling for immediate action against what she described as brutality.

The Gallerist, a dark comedy thriller directed by Cathy Yan, features Jenna Ortega, Sterling K. Brown, Zach Galifianakis, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Portman co-produced the film, which is set for a theatrical release later in 2026.

Portman has previously starred in Black Swan, Thor and Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. She is also producing the upcoming project Good Sex.