Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman, born Natalie Hershlag on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, is a renowned actress, producer, and director. She is celebrated for her versatile acting skills and has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. Portman's family relocated to the United States when she was three years old, settling in Long Island, New York. From a young age, she displayed a keen interest in performing arts and began dancing lessons at the age of four. Her talent was evident early on, and she was accepted into the prestigious American Theater Dance Workshop at the age of ten. In 1994, Portman made her feature film debut in Luc Besson's action thriller "Léon: The Professional," portraying Mathilda, a young girl who forms a unique bond with a professional assassin. Her performance garnered critical acclaim and marked the beginning of her successful acting career. She continued to showcase her talent in various films throughout the 1990s, including "Beautiful Girls" (1996) and "Mars Attacks!" (1996). Portman gained widespread recognition and acclaim for her role as Queen Amidala in the highly anticipated "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" (1999), directed by George Lucas. Despite mixed reviews for the film itself, Portman's portrayal of the iconic character garnered praise from audiences and critics alike. Throughout the 2000s, Portman delivered memorable performances in a wide range of films, including "Anywhere but Here" (1999), "Where the Heart Is" (2000), and "Garden State" (2004). She also starred in the critically acclaimed drama "Closer" (2004), for which she received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. In 2010, Portman delivered a career-defining performance in the psychological thriller "Black Swan," directed by Darren Aronofsky. Her portrayal of Nina Sayers, a ballet dancer grappling with perfectionism and obsession, earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, solidifying her reputation as one of Hollywood's most talented actresses. Portman's filmography also includes "V for Vendetta" (2005), "The Other Boleyn Girl" (2008), "No Strings Attached" (2011), "Thor" (2011) and its sequels, "Jackie" (2016), and "Annihilation" (2018), among others. She has showcased her versatility by taking on roles in various genres, from drama and thriller to science fiction and comedy. In addition to her acting career, Portman has also ventured into producing and directing. She made her directorial debut with the drama film "A Tale of Love and Darkness" (2015), in which she also starred. The film, based on the autobiographical novel by Israeli author Amos Oz, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to positive reviews. Portman continues to be involved in various film projects, showcasing her versatility as an actress and her passion for storytelling.