At the Sundance Film Festival, Natalie Portman denounced ICE's actions following the killing of Renée Good in Minneapolis and criticized the Academy for overlooking several women-directed films in the Oscar nominations. Promoting her new movie 'The Gallerist,' Portman highlighted the barriers faced by female filmmakers. She also praised director Cathy Yan and co-star Jenna Ortega during a Variety Studio interview.
Natalie Portman attended the Sundance Film Festival press circuit on January 24, 2026, wearing "ICE Out" and "Be Good" pins to promote her upcoming film "The Gallerist." The pins referenced the recent killing of Renée Good by ICE agents in Minneapolis earlier that month, with the interview occurring just hours after another fatal shooting by federal agents in the city.
In a discussion at the Variety Studio presented by Audible, Portman addressed the national unrest amid the festival's celebratory atmosphere. "This is such a joyful community celebrating film here and we’re so excited to be showing ‘The Gallerist,’ but we’re also at a moment in our country’s history that is quite devastating," she said. "It’s really impossible not to talk about what is happening right now and the brutality of ICE and how it has to stop immediately. But also, there’s a beautiful community that Americans are showing right now. They’re showing up for each other, protecting each other and fighting for their freedom. It’s a bittersweet moment to celebrate something we’re so proud of on the backdrop of our nation in pain."
The interview preceded the world premiere of "The Gallerist," directed by Cathy Yan—known for "Birds of Prey"—and co-starring Jenna Ortega. The film follows a desperate gallerist plotting to sell a dead body at Art Basel Miami. Portman lauded Ortega as "such a fucking great actress and so knowledgeable about film," noting her focus and dedication. She described Yan as "a brilliant leader" with a "specificity of vision" that balanced satire and emotion.
With the Oscars announced days earlier, Portman spotlighted the exclusion of women-directed films, despite Chloe Zhao's "Hamnet" earning eight nominations, including best picture and director. "So many of the best films I saw this year were made by women," Portman stated. "You just see the barriers at every level because so many were not recognized at awards time. 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 they deserve." Her comments underscore ongoing discussions about gender equity in Hollywood awards.
