Natalie Portman criticises Oscars over lack of female directors in 2026 nominations

Natalie Portman has criticised the Academy Awards for the lack of female representation among the Best Director nominees at the 2026 Oscars, saying the issue reflects wider barriers faced by women in the film industry.

Speaking while attending the Sundance Film Festival in Utah on Saturday, January 24, to promote her new film The Gallerist, Portman addressed the absence of women in the category.

“So many of the best films I saw this year were made by women,” she told Variety. “You just see the barriers at every level because so many were not recognized at awards time.”

Portman referenced several films she said had been widely appreciated by audiences but overlooked during awards season.

“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 that they deserve,” she said.

Chloé Zhao, nominated for Hamnet, is the only woman recognised in the Best Director category this year. The remaining nominees are Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme, Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another, Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value and Ryan Coogler for Sinners. Hamnet is also the only film directed by a woman among the 10 Best Picture nominees.

Portman said the challenges extend beyond awards recognition. “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 said, adding, “We have a lot of work to do still.”

Despite the difficulties, Portman highlighted the value of collaboration with other women. “But joyfully, with a lot of joy, working with each other,” she said, describing it as “a very special process to be in community with women on set.”

Portman recently worked with director Cathy Yan on The Gallerist, which also stars Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sterling K. Brown and Da'Vine Joy Randolph.