Natalie Portman slams Oscars 2026 for overlooking women directors: This pattern of exclusion has persisted...

Natalie Portman on Oscars

• Natalie Portman slams Oscars for 2026 lack of women-directed film nominations
• She highlights systemic barriers for women filmmakers beyond awards season
• Portman condemns ICE actions after Renee Good's fatal shooting in Minneapolis

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Natalie Portman didn’t hold back when discussing the ongoing struggles faced by women in Hollywood, criticising the Academy Awards for overlooking films directed by women in this year’s 2026 nominations.

Speaking at a press conference during the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, where her latest film The Gallerist premiered, Portman highlighted what she sees as systemic barriers that go far beyond just awards season.

She pointed out that several strong films directed by women were completely left out of the nominations, despite receiving critical acclaim. “This pattern of exclusion has persisted,” Natalie Portman said, emphasising that it reflects deeper challenges women filmmakers face within the industry.

While Chlo Zhao’s Hamnet managed to secure major recognition with eight nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, Portman suggested that this was more the exception than the rule. “This shows the broader hurdles women filmmakers encounter within industry structures,” she noted.

Natalie Portman explained that the issue starts well before awards are considered, with barriers at every stage of the filmmaking process.

She stressed that while people often talk about entry-level obstacles, the exclusion becomes most visible during awards season, when some of the year’s most compelling work is simply ignored. “Female directors continue to be denied the accolades they deserve, despite delivering some of the year’s most compelling work,” she said.

Portman named several films she felt deserved recognition, including Sorry Baby, Left-Handed Girl, Hedda, and The Testament of Ann Lee, noting that these works reflect both the quality and diversity of projects women are bringing to the screen each year.

The actor also addressed recent social issues, condemning the actions of ICE authorities after the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. Natalie Portman described it as an emotionally conflicting moment, balancing the celebration of her film’s premiere with the nation’s grief and anger. She called the actions “brutality” that must stop immediately.

At Sundance, Natalie Portman’s film The Gallerist, directed by Cathy Yan, premiered with a star-studded cast including Jenna Ortega, Sterling K. Brown, Zach Galifianakis, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Natalie also served as a producer on the project, alongside Jonathan King, Ash Sarohia, Sophie Mas, Tom McCarthy, Rae Baron, and Zola Elgart Glassman.

Also Read: 'Black Swan' star Natalie Portman gives birth to baby boy

With a career spanning films like Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Black Swan, Thor, Knight of Cups, and Song to Song, Natalie Portman continues to take on roles both in front of and behind the camera.

She is set to star in and produce the upcoming film Good Sex, further solidifying her place as a voice for change and representation in the industry.