Natalie Portman has drawn attention to the lack of female representation in the 2026 Academy Awards nominations, saying the issue reflects persistent barriers faced by women in the film industry.
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Speaking at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah while promoting her latest film The Gallerist, the Oscar-winning actress expressed disappointment over this year’s Best Director category. Of the nominees announced, only one woman — Chloé Zhao for Hamnet — was recognised.
Natalie Portman calls out Oscars for snubbing female directors in 2026 nominations: ‘Barriers at every level’ https://t.co/VQwcRbTidT pic.twitter.com/GlYURv40K3
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“So many of the best films I saw this year were made by women,” Portman told Variety on Saturday. “You just see the barriers at every level because so many were not recognised at awards time.”
Portman cited several films she believed deserved greater attention, including Sorry Baby, Left-Handed Girl, Hedda, and The Testament of Ann Lee. She noted that while audiences and critics have praised these projects, awards recognition has failed to reflect their impact.
The Best Director category this year is otherwise dominated by male filmmakers, including Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme, Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another, Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value, and Ryan Coogler for Sinners. Among the 10 films nominated for Best Picture, Hamnet stands out as the only film directed by a woman.
Portman has long advocated for greater equality in Hollywood and has frequently spoken about the challenges faced by women both in front of and behind the camera.
Her latest project, The Gallerist, marks another collaboration with a female director, Cathy Yan. The dark comedy thriller follows a desperate gallery owner, portrayed by Portman, who attempts to sell a dead man as art during Art Basel in Miami. The film also stars Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sterling K. Brown and Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
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Portman’s remarks have reignited debate around diversity and inclusion at major awards shows, particularly as conversations about representation continue to shape the global film industry