Ranking Natalie Portman's iconic moments
Natalie Portman, born Natalie Hershlag on June 9, 1981, in Jerusalem, Israel, is an Israeli-born American actress, director, and producer. She is known for her versatility and dedication to her roles, which have earned her multiple accolades, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. Portman began her acting career at the age of 12 with the film "Léon: The Professional" (1994) and gained international recognition for her role as Padmé Amidala in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace" (1999). She attended Harvard University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2003. Portman is also an advocate for animal rights and environmental causes.
1. "Léon: The Professional" (1994): At just 12 years old, Portman delivered a powerful performance as Mathilda, a young girl trained to be an assassin. Her portrayal of a traumatized yet determined character showcased her ability to handle complex roles at a young age.
2. "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace" (1999): Portman's role as Queen Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy brought her global fame. Her performance as the elegant and strong-willed queen left a lasting impression on fans of the franchise.
3. "Closer" (2004): Portman received critical acclaim and her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Alice, a mysterious stripper, in this romantic drama. Her performance was praised for its depth and emotional intensity.
4. "V for Vendetta" (2005): Portman's portrayal of Evey Hammond in this dystopian thriller is iconic. The scene where her character's hair is shaved off is particularly memorable, showcasing Portman's commitment to her role.
5. "Black Swan" (2010): Portman won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Nina Sayers, a troubled ballerina, in this psychological thriller. Her performance was lauded for its intensity and physicality, and she also won a Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG Award for the role.
6. "Jackie" (2016): Portman's portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy in this biographical drama earned her a third Academy Award nomination. Her performance was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, capturing the essence of the iconic first lady.
7. "Thor" (2011) and "Thor: Love and Thunder" (2022): Portman's role as Jane Foster in the Marvel Cinematic Universe established her as one of the world's highest-paid actresses. Her return to the role in "Thor: Love and Thunder" was well-received by fans and critics alike.
8. "May December" (2023): Portman produced and starred in this drama, showcasing her versatility as an actress and her skills as a director. Her performance in the film was praised for its depth and nuance.
9. "Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis" (2009): Portman appeared on the quirky talk show "Between Two Ferns" with Zach Galifianakis, where she humorously answered questions while her dog, Whiz, sat beside her. The unexpected and lighthearted interview became a fan favorite.
10. "Actually Me" (2023): Portman went undercover on the internet and answered questions from fans on various platforms. She joked about her rap skills and shared funny behind-the-scenes stories, showcasing her witty and down-to-earth personality.
11. "Late Show with David Letterman" (1994): During her appearance on the show, Portman hilariously described her father's profession as a fertility surgeon by saying, "He helps women get pregnant." This innocent yet amusing comment led to an awkward phone call between her school teachers and her mother.
12. "Moviefone Unscripted with Jake Gyllenhaal, Toby Maguire, Natalie Portman" (2009): Portman participated in a fun and spontaneous interview with Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire, where they shared laughs and stories about their careers.
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