Career Timeline of Natalie Portman: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Natalie Portman made an impact.
Natalie Portman, born Natalie Hershlag, is an Israeli-American actress with a distinguished career spanning blockbusters and independent films. Rising to prominence in her teenage years, she has garnered critical acclaim, including an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
1992: Auditioning for Ruthless!
In 1992, Natalie Portman auditioned for the off-Broadway musical Ruthless!, a musical about a girl who is prepared to commit murder to get the lead in a school play. Portman and Britney Spears were chosen as understudies.
1994: Acting Debut in Léon: The Professional
In 1994, Natalie Portman began her acting career at the age of twelve, starring as the young protégée of a hitman in Léon: The Professional.
1994: Filming Developing
In the summer break of 1994, Natalie Portman filmed a part in Marya Cohn's short film Developing, in which she played a young girl coping with her mother's cancer.
1996: Dropping out of Romeo + Juliet
In 1996, Natalie Portman was cast opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet, but she dropped out during rehearsals when studio executives found her too young for the role.
1996: Role in Beautiful Girls
In 1996, Ted Demme cast Natalie Portman as a precocious teenager who flirts with her much-older neighbor in the ensemble comedy-drama Beautiful Girls.
December 1997: Broadway Revival of The Diary of Anne Frank
In December 1997, Natalie Portman starred as Anne Frank in a Broadway revival of The Diary of Anne Frank, which was staged at the Music Box Theatre.
1997: Filming Star Wars prequel trilogy
In 1997, Natalie Portman began filming the part of Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. The first film of the series, Episode I – The Phantom Menace was released in 1999.
May 1998: End of The Diary of Anne Frank
In May 1998, The Diary of Anne Frank ended.
1998: Broadway Debut in The Diary of a Young Girl
In 1998, while still in high school, Natalie Portman made her Broadway debut in The Diary of a Young Girl.
1999: Release of Episode I – The Phantom Menace
In 1999, Episode I – The Phantom Menace was released. It was the second highest-grossing film of all time to that point, and it established Portman as a global star.
1999: International Recognition with Star Wars: Episode I
In 1999, Natalie Portman gained international recognition for her role as Padmé Amidala in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
2001: Performance in The Seagull at The Public Theater
In 2001, Natalie Portman performed in a revival of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull at The Public Theater.
2001: Return to Broadway in The Seagull
In the summer of 2001, Natalie Portman returned to Broadway (at the Delacorte Theater) to perform Chekhov's drama The Seagull, which was directed by Mike Nichols and co-starred Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
2002: Reprising Role of Amidala in Star Wars: Episode II
In 2002, Natalie Portman reprised her role of Amidala in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, which she had filmed in Sydney and London during her summer break of 2000.
2002: Release of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
In 2002, Natalie Portman starred in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films.
2002: Letter to The Harvard Crimson
In 2002, while at Harvard, Natalie Portman wrote a letter to The Harvard Crimson responding to an essay critical of Israeli actions toward Palestinians, arguing against comparisons to racial apartheid.
2003: Screen Appearance in Cold Mountain
In 2003, Natalie Portman's sole screen appearance was in the brief part of a young mother in the war film Cold Mountain.
2004: Campaigning for John Kerry
In 2004, Natalie Portman campaigned for Senator John Kerry in the presidential election as a supporter of the Democratic Party.
2004: Starring in Garden State and Closer
In 2004, Natalie Portman featured in the romantic comedy Garden State and played a mysterious stripper in Closer. She won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress and received an Academy Award nomination in the same category for Closer.
2004: Release of Closer
In 2004, Natalie Portman starred in Closer, one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films.
2004: FINCA International Ambassador of Hope
In 2004, Natalie Portman traveled to Uganda as the Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International.
2004: Original Release of Danish Film Brothers
In 2004, the original Danish Film 'Brothers', which Natalie Portman starred in a remake of, was released.
2005: Film Releases: Star Wars, Free Zone, and V for Vendetta
In 2005, Natalie Portman had several film releases. She appeared in 'Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith', 'Free Zone', where she played a Jewish-American girl, and 'V for Vendetta', where she played Evey Hammond and shaved her head for the role. Her performance in 'V for Vendetta' earned her the Saturn Award for Best Actress.
2005: Role in V for Vendetta
In 2005, Natalie Portman played Evey Hammond in V for Vendetta.
2005: Releases of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and V for Vendetta
In 2005, Natalie Portman starred in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and V for Vendetta, both of which are among her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films.
2006: Hosting Saturday Night Live & Starring in Paris, je t'aime and Goya's Ghosts
In 2006, Natalie Portman hosted an episode of 'Saturday Night Live'. She also starred in the film 'Paris, je t'aime' and Miloš Forman's 'Goya's Ghosts'.
2006: Guest Lecture at Columbia University
In 2006, Natalie Portman served as a guest lecturer at Columbia University for a course in terrorism and counterterrorism, where she spoke about her film V for Vendetta.
April 2007: Discussion of Microfinance on This Week
In April 2007, Natalie Portman discussed her work with FINCA on This Week with George Stephanopoulos.
2007: Launch of Animal-Friendly Footwear Brand
In 2007, Natalie Portman launched her own brand of animal-friendly footwear. In 2007, Portman traveled to Rwanda with Jack Hanna to film the documentary Gorillas on the Brink.
2007: Roles in My Blueberry Nights, Hotel Chevalier, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, and Dance Tonight music video
In 2007, Natalie Portman starred in 'My Blueberry Nights', trained with a poker coach for her role as a gambler, appeared in 'Hotel Chevalier', Wes Anderson's short film, and accepted a role in the children's film 'Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium', and appeared in Paul McCartney's music video "Dance Tonight".
2007: Filming Brothers During Writers Guild Strike
In 2007, during the filming of the movie 'Brothers', the Writers Guild of America strike happened, which Portman found challenging.
2008: Directorial Debut with Eve
In 2008, Natalie Portman directed the short film Eve.
2008: Role in The Other Boleyn Girl
In 2008, Natalie Portman played Anne Boleyn in The Other Boleyn Girl.
2008: Starring in The Other Boleyn Girl, Cannes Film Festival Jury, and handsomecharlie films Launch
In 2008, Natalie Portman starred in 'The Other Boleyn Girl' alongside Scarlett Johansson. She also served as a jury member at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival and launched her own production company, handsomecharlie films.
2008: Support for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama
Prior to the 2008 presidential election, Natalie Portman supported Senator Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries and later campaigned for Senator Barack Obama.
2009: Roles in The Other Woman, Greed, New York, I Love You, and Brothers
In 2009, Natalie Portman appeared in 'The Other Woman', a faux perfume commercial called 'Greed', the anthology film 'New York, I Love You', and the drama film 'Brothers'.
2009: Meeting Benjamin Millepied
In 2009, Natalie Portman met French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied while working on the movie Black Swan.
2009: Release of "Natalie's Rap" on Incredibad
In 2009, the song "Natalie's Rap", from an episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Natalie Portman, was released on the album Incredibad by The Lonely Island.
2010: Starring in Hesher and Black Swan
In 2010, Natalie Portman produced and co-starred in 'Hesher' and played a ballerina in 'Black Swan', winning the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.
2010: Dior Ambassador
In 2010, Natalie Portman signed with Dior and has starred in multiple advertising campaigns.
2010: Release of Black Swan
In 2010, Natalie Portman starred in Black Swan, one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films.
January 2011: WE Charity Ambassador Appointment
In January 2011, Natalie Portman was appointed an ambassador of WE Charity and spearheaded their Power of a Girl campaign.
March 2011: Hadassah Medical Center Fundraising Campaign
In March 2011, Natalie Portman began voluntarily promoting a fundraising campaign for Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem to construct the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower.
2011: Support for Same-Sex Marriage
In 2011, Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied signed a petition to President Obama in support of same-sex marriage.
2011: Producing and starring in No Strings Attached and Your Highness, and Starring in Thor
In 2011, Natalie Portman served as an executive producer for 'No Strings Attached', starred in 'Your Highness', and played Jane Foster in 'Thor'.
2011: Releases of No Strings Attached and Thor
In 2011, Natalie Portman starred in No Strings Attached and Thor, both of which are among her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films.
May 2012: Collaboration with Richard Mille for WE Charity
In May 2012, it was announced that Natalie Portman would collaborate with watch designer Richard Mille to develop a limited-edition timepiece with proceeds supporting WE Charity.
2012: Support for Obama's Re-election Campaign
In 2012, Natalie Portman supported Barack Obama's re-election campaign.
2012: Topped Forbes' Most Bankable Stars Listing
In 2012, Natalie Portman topped Forbes' listing of the most bankable stars in Hollywood and appeared in Paul McCartney's music video "My Valentine".
2013: Portrayal of Jane Foster in Thor: The Dark World
In 2013, Natalie Portman played Jane Foster in Thor: The Dark World.
2013: Reprising Role in Thor: The Dark World
In 2013, Natalie Portman reprised her role as Jane Foster in 'Thor: The Dark World'.
2014: Forbes Celebrity 100 Listing
In 2014, Natalie Portman was featured in Forbes' Celebrity 100 listing, with an estimated income of $13 million from the previous year.
February 2015: Open Letter to Harvard University
In February 2015, Natalie Portman and other Harvard University alumni wrote an open letter to the school demanding it divest its endowment from coal, gas, and oil companies.
2015: Acting in Knight of Cups and Directing A Tale of Love and Darkness
In 2015, Natalie Portman appeared in Terrence Malick's 'Knight of Cups'. Also in 2015, she directed, produced, and starred in 'A Tale of Love and Darkness', based on Amos Oz's novel.
2015: Directing and Starring in A Tale of Love and Darkness
In 2015, Natalie Portman directed and starred in the biographical drama A Tale of Love and Darkness.
2016: Portraying Jacqueline Kennedy in Jackie
In 2016, Natalie Portman portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy in the biopic 'Jackie', winning the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actress and receiving an Academy Award nomination for her performance.
2016: Release of Jackie
In 2016, Natalie Portman starred in Jackie, one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films.
2017: Sexual Harassment Revelations and Starring in Song to Song
In 2017, Natalie Portman revealed that she has experienced sexual harassment or discrimination in almost every project she has worked on. That year, she also starred in the experimental romance Song to Song.
January 2018: Donation to Time's Up Initiative
In January 2018, Natalie Portman donated $50,000 to the Time's Up initiative.
2018: Release of Annihilation
In 2018, Natalie Portman starred in Annihilation, one of her most acclaimed and highest-grossing films.
2018: Roles in Annihilation, The Death & Life of John F. Donovan, and Vox Lux
In 2018, Natalie Portman starred in the science fiction film 'Annihilation', the ensemble drama 'The Death & Life of John F. Donovan', and as a troubled pop singer in 'Vox Lux'.
December 2019: Visit to Kenya with WE Charity
In December 2019, Natalie Portman visited Kenya with WE Charity and spoke with young girls determined to improve their lives through access to education.
2019: Avengers: Endgame Appearance
In 2019, Unused footage from Thor: The Dark World and a new voice-over were used for Natalie Portman's brief appearance in the superhero film Avengers: Endgame. She also starred in Lucy in the Sky, directed by Noah Hawley.
2020: Support of Defund the Police Movement
In 2020, Natalie Portman endorsed the "defund the police" movement. She also collaborated with JusticeLA to create a public service announcement #SuingToSaveLives.
2021: MountainA Production Company Founding
In 2021, Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas founded the production company MountainA and signed a first-look television deal with Apple TV+.
2021: Co-founding MountainA Production Company
In 2021, Natalie Portman co-founded the production company MountainA.
2021: Promotion of Miss Dior Rose N'Roses
In 2021, Natalie Portman promoted a new version of the Miss Dior fragrance, Rose N'Roses.
2022: Angel City FC Debut
In 2022, Angel City FC, co-founded by Natalie Portman, began play in the NWSL season.
2022: Reprising Role in Thor: Love and Thunder
In 2022, Natalie Portman reprised her role as Jane Foster in Thor: Love and Thunder, which established her as one of the world's highest-paid actresses.
2022: Thor: Love and Thunder Release
In 2022, Natalie Portman reprised her role as Jane Foster in the sequel Thor: Love and Thunder, where her character becomes Mighty Thor. She received a Critics' Choice Super Award nomination. She was also voted one of the 50 greatest actors of all time in an Empire magazine readers' poll in 2022.
September 2023: UN Spotlight Initiative Speech
In September 2023, Natalie Portman spoke at an event for the United Nations Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls, urging member states to reinvest in the Initiative and ending gender-based violence.
October 18, 2023: Advocacy for Hostage Release and Support for Israeli Children
On October 18, 2023, Natalie Portman publicly called for the release of hostages held by Hamas, condemned their actions, and advocated for the release of kidnapped Israeli children. She also promoted Dror Israel on Instagram to raise funds for children near the Gaza border and urged the Red Cross to address breaches of International Humanitarian Law in Israel.
November 12, 2023: Participation in March Against Antisemitism
On November 12, 2023, Natalie Portman participated in the March for the Republic and Against Antisemitism in Paris, a response to the increasing antisemitism following the start of the Gaza war.
2023: May December Premiere
In 2023, MountainA's first project, May December, starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Portman received another Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
2023: Starring in May December
In 2023, Natalie Portman produced and starred in the film May December.
2024: Lady in the Lake Miniseries
In 2024, MountainA's third project was Lady in the Lake, an Apple TV+ miniseries adaptation of Laura Lippman's thriller novel. Production in Baltimore was briefly paused when the crew received threats of violence.
2024: Starring in Lady in the Lake
In 2024, Natalie Portman produced and starred in the miniseries Lady in the Lake.
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