What Happened to Natalie Portman?

Natalie Portman, born Natalie Hershlag, has maintained her status as an Academy Award-winning actress, director, and producer, consistently engaging in diverse projects and advocacy efforts. Her career in the mid-2020s demonstrates a continued commitment to both high-profile and independent cinema, often taking on roles that challenge and explore complex human narratives.

In 2023, Portman garnered significant attention for her role as Elizabeth Berry in Todd Haynes' psychological drama "May December," which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2023, before its limited theatrical release in November and Netflix streaming debut in December. She also served as a producer on the film, showcasing her increasing involvement behind the camera through her production company, MountainA, which she co-founded in 2021. This period also saw her starring in and executive producing the Apple TV+ limited series "Lady in the Lake," which premiered on July 19, 2024. The series, set in 1960s Baltimore, received generally positive reviews, with Portman's performance as an investigative journalist being particularly acclaimed.

Beyond her acting roles, Portman has continued to expand her producing credits and explore new genres. In 2025, she is slated to appear in Guy Ritchie's action film "Fountain of Youth" and lend her voice to Netflix's animated adaptation of Roald Dahl's "The Twits." The year 2026 has been particularly active for Portman, with the dark comedy thriller "The Gallerist," co-starring Jenna Ortega, premiering at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2026, and scheduled for a theatrical release on December 4, 2026. She also produced "The Gallerist." Additionally, Portman is set to star in and produce Lena Dunham's romantic comedy "Good Sex" for Netflix, expected in 2026, and the psychological thriller "Pumping Black," with production scheduled for late 2026.

Her personal life has also seen significant changes. After 11 years of marriage, Natalie Portman's divorce from French choreographer Benjamin Millepied was finalized in early 2024. By March 2025, she was publicly linked to French music producer Tanguy Destable, known professionally as Tepr. The couple's relationship progressed, and in April 2026, it was announced that Portman, at 44, is pregnant with her third child, her first with Destable, with the due date nearing as of July/August 2026. She has embraced a more private, "normal Parisian life" in recent years, often seen walking or cycling.

Portman remains a vocal advocate for various causes, including women's rights, environmentalism, and social justice. She spoke at the United Nations in September 2023, urging increased spending on initiatives like the Spotlight Initiative. In 2026, she continued to criticize systemic bias in Hollywood regarding female directors and joined over 350 film industry figures in denouncing the boycott of Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid, reflecting her nuanced stance on complex socio-political issues. Her commitment to using her platform for advocacy underscores her multidimensional public persona, extending well beyond her acclaimed acting career.