Natalie Portman, who hit the press circuit for her recent film, The Gallerist, called out the Oscars for under-representing female filmmakers in this year’s nominations. Out of the ten films nominated this year, only one was by a female director. Portman claimed that “many of the best films” this year were made by women.
Natalie Portman criticizes Oscars for not nominating majority of female directors in 2026
Natalie Portman spoke about the snubbing of incredible female directors in this year’s Oscars. This was as she stepped out at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah to promote her new film, The Gallerist.
The Star Wars actress wore pins in support of Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE Agent, leading to widespread backlash. Portman also spoke in detail about the concerning state of the country before she delved into this year’s Oscar nominations.
Portman spoke of the imbalance in male and female directors in the best film category this year. She said to Variety, “So many of the best films I saw this year were made by women.” She continued, “You just see the barriers at every level because so many were not recognized at the awards time. Between ‘Sorry Baby’ and ‘Left-Handed Girl’ and ‘Hedda’ and ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’… Extraordinary films this year that I think a lot of people are enjoying and loving, but are not getting the accolades they deserve.”
Out of the ten films nominated for the Best Picture category, only one was by a female director. Hamnet by Chloe Zhao became the only film by a woman director in the category.
Portman further added about the challenges of making a film even now. She said, “Even when you pass the barriers of getting your financing, which is harder, getting into festivals, which is harder. Every step of the road is harder, and then you’re out, and it’s great, and then it also doesn’t get the attention.” She added, “We have a lot of work to do still.”
The Gallerist premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2026.
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