Oscars 2020: Natalie Portman takes a stand for women directors with her red carpet look
Award shows like the Oscars have a reputation for not acknowledging female directors. That’s why Natalie Portman took a stand with her outfit for the evening.
The 92nd annual Academy Awards have arrived, and as always, there’s been plenty of criticism about the Academy’s failure to acknowledge female directors in its nominees. Many celebrities pointed out this issue during the Oscar’s ceremony itself, but actress Natalie Portman chose to take a stand for women directors in a different way: through her wardrobe.
Portman’s red-carpet look could easily be mistaken for a completely meaningless fashion choice, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice her cape has names embroidered on it — the names of female directors who were snubbed to be exact. Greta Gerwig, Lorene Scafaria, and Lulu Wang are among the directors Portman chose to shout out with her fashion statement, all of whom were shut out from this year’s nominations for their critically acclaimed 2019 films.
Speaking with Amy Kaufman of the LA Times, Portman said, “I wanted to recognize the women who were not recognized for their incredible work this year in my subtle way.”
Natalie Portman embroidered her Dior cape with all of the female directors who weren't nominated for #Oscars. Check out her explanation here. pic.twitter.com/kyyo2wVMZf
— Amy Kaufman (@AmyKinLA) February 10, 2020
This isn’t the first time Portman has taken a stand for her beliefs at an award show. In fact, she has a record of doing so, and we have to respect her for it. Two years ago, she called out the Oscars for the same reason, introducing the Best Director nominees by saying, “And here are the all-male nominees.”
Portman’s frustration is understandable, especially because, as Vogue points out, she’s gone beyond acting to direct films herself. Portman has directed A Tale of Love and Darkness (2015), a segment of New York, I Love You (2008), and Eve (2008). Knowing how the industry often treats female directors, it seems Portman is committed to speaking out for those who have faced the same obstacles she has — and we love her even more for it.
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