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 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 recognised at awards time.”

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