Career Timeline of Natalie Portman: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Natalie Portman made an impact.
Natalie Portman is an Israeli-born American actress with a distinguished career spanning blockbusters and independent films. Starting as a teenager, she quickly gained recognition for her acting abilities, receiving numerous awards including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and two Golden Globe Awards. Her notable performances showcase her versatility and talent in the entertainment industry.
1992: Audition for Ruthless!
In 1992, when Natalie Portman was ten years old, she auditioned for the off-Broadway musical Ruthless! and was chosen as an understudy alongside Britney Spears.
1994: Filming Developing and Anne of Green Gables
During the summer break of 1994, after filming The Professional, Natalie Portman filmed a part in Marya Cohn's short film Developing, and she played Anne Shirley in a staging of Anne of Green Gables at the Stagedoor Manor performing arts camp.
1994: Leading Role in Léon: The Professional
In 1994, Natalie Portman secured a leading role in Luc Besson's action drama Léon: The Professional and adopted her paternal grandmother's maiden name, Portman, as her stage name. She played Mathilda, an orphan child who befriends a middle-aged hitman.
1996: Roles in Beautiful Girls, Everyone Says I Love You, and Mars Attacks!
In 1996, Natalie Portman played a precocious teenager in Beautiful Girls and had brief roles in Woody Allen's musical Everyone Says I Love You and Tim Burton's comic science fiction film Mars Attacks!
1996: Romeo + Juliet and Lolita Offers
In 1996, Natalie Portman was cast in Romeo + Juliet but dropped out due to her age, and she turned down the role in Lolita due to its excessive sexual content.
December 1997: Debut in The Diary of Anne Frank on Broadway
In December 1997, Natalie Portman made her debut as Anne Frank in a Broadway revival of The Diary of Anne Frank at the Music Box Theatre.
1997: Filming of Star Wars Prequel Trilogy Begins
In 1997, Natalie Portman began filming her part as Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
May 1998: End of Run in The Diary of Anne Frank on Broadway
In May 1998, Natalie Portman's run in The Diary of Anne Frank on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre concluded.
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: 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.
1999: Turning Down and Accepting Anywhere but Here
In 1999, Natalie Portman initially turned down a lead role in Anywhere but Here but later accepted after script revisions. She also graduated from Syosset High School and entered her high school paper in the Intel Science Talent Search.
1999: Release of Star Wars: Episode I and High School Graduation
In 1999, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace was released, and Natalie Portman graduated from Syosset High School.
1999: Release of Star Wars: Episode I
In 1999, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, starring Natalie Portman, was released.
2000: Appearance in Where the Heart Is and Enrollment at Harvard
In 2000, Natalie Portman appeared in Where the Heart Is and began attending Harvard University to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology.
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: Broadway Performance in The Seagull and Cameo in Zoolander
In 2001, Natalie Portman returned to Broadway to perform in The Seagull and made a cameo appearance in the comedy Zoolander.
2002: Appearance in Star Wars: Episode II
In 2002, Natalie Portman appeared in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, reprising her role as Padmé Amidala.
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: Graduation from Harvard and Role in Cold Mountain
In 2003, Natalie Portman graduated from Harvard University and had a small role in the war film Cold Mountain.
2004: Campaigning for John Kerry
In 2004, Natalie Portman campaigned for Senator John Kerry in the presidential election, supporting the Democratic Party.
2004: Roles in Garden State and Closer
In 2004, Natalie Portman featured in the romantic comedy Garden State and played a mysterious stripper in Closer, winning a Golden Globe and receiving an Academy Award nomination for the latter.
2004: Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International
In 2004, Natalie Portman traveled to Uganda as the Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International, promoting micro-lending to help finance women-owned businesses in developing countries.
2004: Golden Globe and Academy Award Nomination for Closer
In 2004, Natalie Portman won a Golden Globe and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Closer.
2004: Release of Closer
In 2004, the film Closer, starring Natalie Portman, was released.
2005: Appearance in Star Wars: Episode III
In 2005, Natalie Portman appeared in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, reprising her role as Padmé Amidala.
2005: Film Releases and Controversies
In 2005, Natalie Portman had three film roles: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Free Zone, and V for Vendetta. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, earned over $848 million. She played a Jewish-American girl in Free Zone, studying at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and reading memoirs of Yitzhak Rabin for the role. A kissing scene at the Western Wall caused controversy, leading to an apology. She also starred in V for Vendetta, shaving her head for the role, which garnered her the Saturn Award for Best Actress.
2005: Role as Evey Hammond in V for Vendetta
In 2005, Natalie Portman played Evey Hammond in V for Vendetta.
2005: Releases of Star Wars: Episode III and V for Vendetta
In 2005, two films starring Natalie Portman were released: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and V for Vendetta.
2006: Hosting Saturday Night Live and Film Roles
In 2006, Natalie Portman hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live. She also appeared in the anthology film Paris, je t'aime and starred in Miloš Forman's Goya's Ghosts, playing a dual role which received positive feedback from Roger Ebert.
2006: Guest Lecturer at Columbia University
In 2006, Natalie Portman served as a guest lecturer at Columbia University for a course in terrorism and counterterrorism, discussing her film V for Vendetta.
April 2007: Discussion of Microfinance on This Week
In April 2007, Natalie Portman discussed her work with FINCA and how it benefits women and children in Third World countries on This Week with George Stephanopoulos.
2007: Filming of Brothers
During the 2007-08 Writers Guild of America strike, Natalie Portman was filming scenes for the movie 'Brothers'.
2007: Launch of Animal-Friendly Footwear Brand
In 2007, Natalie Portman launched her own brand of animal-friendly footwear and traveled to Rwanda with Jack Hanna to film the documentary Gorillas on the Brink.
2007: Film Roles and Music Video Appearance
In 2007, Natalie Portman replaced Jodie Foster in My Blueberry Nights, training with a poker coach for her role. She also appeared in Hotel Chevalier and The Darjeeling Limited. Additionally, she appeared in Paul McCartney's music video "Dance Tonight" from his album Memory Almost Full.
2008: Direction of the short film Eve
In 2008, Natalie Portman directed the short film Eve.
2008: Role as Anne Boleyn in The Other Boleyn Girl
In 2008, Natalie Portman played Anne Boleyn in The Other Boleyn Girl.
2008: The Other Boleyn Girl, Cannes Jury, and Directorial Debut
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 production company, handsomecharlie films. Her directorial debut, the short film Eve, opened at the Venice International Film Festival.
2008: Support for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama
In 2008, prior to the presidential election, Natalie Portman supported Senator Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primaries and later campaigned for Senator Barack Obama. She also expressed respect for John McCain despite disagreeing with his war stance.
2009: Becoming Vegan
In 2009, Natalie Portman became a vegan after reading Jonathan Safran Foer's Eating Animals and later produced a documentary on factory farming systems in the U.S. by the same title.
2009: Meeting Benjamin Millepied on Black Swan
In 2009, Natalie Portman met French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied while working together on the film Black Swan.
2009: Film Roles and Directorial Segment
In 2009, Natalie Portman starred in The Other Woman, a poorly received adaptation of Ayelet Waldman's novel. She appeared in a faux perfume commercial called Greed and directed a segment in the anthology film New York, I Love You, while also starring in another segment. She also acted in the drama film Brothers.
2009: Release of Natalie's Rap
In 2009, the song "Natalie's Rap", a sketch from Natalie Portman's 2006 appearance on Saturday Night Live, was released on the album Incredibad by The Lonely Island.
2010: Signing with Dior
In 2010, Natalie Portman signed with Dior and has starred in multiple advertising campaigns since then.
2010: Black Swan and Academy Award
In 2010, Natalie Portman starred in Black Swan, training extensively as a ballerina. Her performance was highly acclaimed, earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Controversy arose regarding the percentage of on-screen dancing she performed.
2010: Academy Award for Best Actress for Black Swan
In 2010, Natalie Portman won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as a troubled ballerina in Black Swan.
2010: Release of Black Swan
In 2010, the film Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman, was released.
January 2011: Appointment as WE Charity Ambassador
In January 2011, Natalie Portman was appointed an ambassador of WE Charity and spearheading their Power of a Girl campaign, hosting a contest to fundraise for all-girl schools in Kenya.
March 2011: Promotion of Hadassah Medical Center Fundraising Campaign
In March 2011, Natalie Portman began voluntarily promoting a fundraising campaign for Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem to raise funds for the construction of the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower.
2011: Support for Same-Sex Marriage
In 2011, Natalie Portman and her then-fiancé Benjamin Millepied signed a petition to President Obama in support of same-sex marriage.
2011: Film Releases: No Strings Attached and Thor
In 2011, Natalie Portman starred in and executive produced No Strings Attached, a romantic comedy. She also played Jane Foster in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Thor.
2011: Starring in No Strings Attached and Thor
In 2011, Natalie Portman starred in the romantic comedy No Strings Attached and portrayed Jane Foster in Thor.
May 2012: Collaboration with Richard Mille
In May 2012, it was announced that Natalie Portman would be working 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: Forbes Ranking and Music Video Appearance
In 2012, Natalie Portman topped Forbes' listing of the most bankable stars in Hollywood. She appeared in Paul McCartney's music video "My Valentine".
2013: Role as Jane Foster in Thor: The Dark World
In 2013, Natalie Portman continued her role as Jane Foster in Thor: The Dark World.
2013: Thor: The Dark World and Financial Recognition
In 2013, Natalie Portman reprised her role as Jane Foster in Thor: The Dark World. The film was a major success, and she was later featured in Forbes' Celebrity 100 listing in 2014.
2013: Release of Thor: The Dark World
In 2013, Thor: The Dark World, starring Natalie Portman, was released.
2014: Forbes Listing
In 2014, Natalie Portman was featured in Forbes' Celebrity 100 listing, with her income estimated at $13 million for the previous year.
February 2015: Open Letter to Harvard University
In February 2015, Natalie Portman, among other Harvard alumni, wrote an open letter to Harvard University demanding it divest its endowment from coal, gas, and oil companies.
2015: Return to Acting and Directorial Venture
In 2015, Natalie Portman appeared in Knight of Cups and released her directorial debut, A Tale of Love and Darkness, based on Amos Oz's novel. She starred in, produced, and co-wrote the Hebrew-language film, receiving generally positive reviews.
2015: Direction of A Tale of Love and Darkness
In 2015, Natalie Portman directed and starred in the biographical drama A Tale of Love and Darkness.
2016: Third Academy Award Nomination for Jackie
In 2016, Natalie Portman portrayed Jacqueline Kennedy in Jackie, which earned her a third Academy Award nomination.
2016: Jackie Biopic and Other Film Roles
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. She also produced Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and starred in Planetarium.
2016: Release of Jackie
In 2016, the film Jackie, starring Natalie Portman, was released.
2017: Second Malick Collaboration and Harassment Revelation
In 2017, Natalie Portman's second collaboration with Terrence Malick, Song to Song, was released. That year, Portman revealed she had experienced sexual harassment or discrimination in almost every project she had worked on.
January 2018: Donation to Time's Up Initiative
In January 2018, Natalie Portman donated $50,000 to the Time's Up initiative.
2018: Science Fiction Film and Other Roles
In 2018, Natalie Portman starred in the science fiction film Annihilation, playing a biologist. She also appeared in The Death & Life of John F. Donovan and Vox Lux, sharing the part with Raffey Cassidy. She trained with Benjamin Millepied for dance routines in Vox Lux.
2018: Release of Annihilation
In 2018, the film Annihilation, starring Natalie Portman, was released.
December 2019: Visit to Kenya with WE Charity
In December 2019, Natalie Portman visited Kenya a second time with WE Charity and spoke with young girls determined to improve their lives through access to education.
2019: Appearance in Avengers: Endgame
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.
2020: Endorsement of 'Defund the Police' and Collaboration with JusticeLA
In 2020, Natalie Portman endorsed the "defund the police" movement and collaborated with JusticeLA to create a public service announcement about the health of people in L.A. County jails amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She was also announced as a co-founder and investor in Angel City FC.
2021: Founding MountainA Production Company
In 2021, Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas founded the production company MountainA and signed a first-look television deal with Apple TV+.
2021: Promotion of Miss Dior Rose N'Roses
In 2021, Natalie Portman promoted a new version of the Miss Dior fragrance, Rose N'Roses, as the face of one of the company's fragrances.
2022: Angel City FC Begins Play
In 2022, Angel City FC, co-founded and invested in by Natalie Portman, began play in the National Women's Soccer League.
2022: Role as Jane Foster in Thor: Love and Thunder
In 2022, Natalie Portman played Jane Foster in Thor: Love and Thunder.
2022: Reprising Role in Thor: Love and Thunder
In 2022, Natalie Portman reprised her role as Jane Foster in Thor: Love and Thunder, where her character becomes Mighty Thor. She received a Critics' Choice Super Award nomination for Best Actress in a Superhero Movie.
September 2023: Speaking at UN Spotlight Initiative
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: Advocating for Hostage Release and Support for Israeli Children
On October 18, 2023, Natalie Portman advocated for the release of hostages held by Hamas, condemned their actions, and urged support for kidnapped Israeli children. She also promoted Dror Israel on Instagram to raise funds for children near the Gaza border and called on the Red Cross to address breaches of International Humanitarian Law within Israel.
November 12, 2023: Participation in March Against Antisemitism in Paris
On November 12, 2023, Natalie Portman participated in the March for the Republic and Against Antisemitism in Paris, which was held in response to the increase in antisemitism following the start of the Gaza war.
2023: May December Premieres at Cannes Film Festival
In 2023, MountainA's first project, May December, a drama starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Portman also received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
2023: Production and Starring in May December
In 2023, Natalie Portman produced and starred in the film May December under her production company MountainA.
2024: Production and Starring in Lady in the Lake
In 2024, Natalie Portman produced and starred in the miniseries Lady in the Lake under her production company MountainA.
2024: Starring in Lady in the Lake
In 2024, Natalie Portman starred in MountainA's third project, Lady in the Lake, an Apple TV+ miniseries adaptation of Laura Lippman's thriller novel.
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