Nicole Kidman's commitment to working female directors fuels comparison with 'performative' Natalie Portman

Fans praise Nicole Kidman’s support for female directors while reviving Natalie Portman’s past Oscar controversy.

Nicole Kidman, who was recently declared TIME Magazine's 'Women of the Year' is being widely praised for her dedication to working with female directors, with fans contrasting her genuine efforts with Natalie Portman’s past Oscar protest.

In 2017, Kidman vowed to work with a female director every 18 months. She has since exceeded that promise, collaborating with 19 female filmmakers in just eight years.

Photo: Time

Speaking about her commitment to supporting women in film, Kidman previously stated an industry that more supportive of male directors can be transformed but "It can only be changed by actually being in the films of women." She has continued to follow through with this philosophy, working with directors like Lulu Wang, Halina Reijn, and Mimi Cave.

Meanwhile, Portman’s past actions are being revisited. At the 2020 Oscars, she wore a Dior cape embroidered with the names of snubbed female directors.

Photo: AP

Critics, including Rose McGowan, called her out for performative activism, noting that she has worked with very few female filmmakers in her nearly 30-year career.

Fans took to social media to commend Kidman, with one saying, "We love someone who puts their money where their mouth is, looking at you Natalie Portman."

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While Portman has acknowledged her shortcomings saying, "It is true I’ve only made a few films with women… I have tried, and I will keep trying.", fans argue that Kidman has led by example rather than symbolism. 

As one commenter put it, "Love to see her put her money where her mouth is (Natalie Portman could never)."

With Kidman’s continued efforts, she remains a role model for pushing meaningful change in Hollywood.