The best roles of Natalie Portman

By Nathan Merchadier.

Israeli-American actress, producer, and director Natalie Portman was first discovered at the age of 12 in Léon: The Professional (1994) by Luc Besson. Since then, she has taken on a string of memorable roles, from the tormented ballerina in Black Swan to the freedom fighter in V for Vendetta.

The 44-year-old actress keeps leaving her mark on contemporary cinema thanks to the power and depth of her artistic commitment. This year, Natalie Portman attended the Cannes Film Festival not only as an actress, but also as a producer. On May 16th, 2025, she presented the animated film Arco during a special screening. This poetic project will come out in theatres on Wednesday 22nd of October, 2025. The perfect opportunity for Numéro to revisit the most iconic roles of an actress who never stops pushing the boundaries of her craft.

Natalie Portman as an unpredictable teenager in Léon: The Professional

Luc Besson’s film Léon: The Professional (1994) marked Natalie Portman’s explosive entry into the world of cinema at just 12. The young actress plays Mathilda, a teenager whose family is brutally murdered and finds refuse in Léon, a hitman powerfully portrayed by Jean Reno.

The deeply unsettling relationship that develops between the two characters remains highly controversial and complex, sparking considerable debate. A longer version of the film reportedly includes numerous deleted scenes that suggest an even more ambiguous bond.

Asked about the film by the Hollywood Reporter in 2023, Natalie Portman commented: “It gave me my career, but yes, when you watch it today, it definitely has uncomfortable, disturbing elements to it.”

Léon: The Professional (1994) by Luc Besson, available on Canal VOD.

Natalie Portman as a rebellious heroine in V for Vendetta (2006)

In the film V for Vendetta, produced by the Wachowski sisters, director James McTeigue tells the story of a freedom fighter driven by a desire to exact violent revenge against a fascist government. In this dystopian feature, Natalie Portman takes on the complex role of Evey Hammond, a character she deeply dived into – she even shaved her head for the filming of one pivotal scene.

Beyond this bold move, her performance left a lasting impression. It oscillated between weakness, emotion, strength, and rebellion and earned her the Saturn Award for Best Actress in 2007.

V pour Vendetta (2006) by James McTeigue, available on Canal+.

A struggling ballerina in Black Swan

In Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller Black Swan, Natalie Portman immerses herself in the role of Nina Sayers, an obsessive and perfectionist ballerina. To capture the complexity of her character, the actress followed an intense classical ballet training, practicing up to eight hours a day for several months.

This extreme physical and mental transformation allowed her to embody Nina in a brillant and unsettling way. A performance that earned her the coveted Academy Award for Best Actress in 2011.

Black Swan (2011) by Darren Aronofsky, available on Disney+.

An intense interpretation in the biopic Jackie

In Pablo Larraín’s biopic Jackie, Natalie Portman plays Jacqueline Kennedy. Rather than offering a conventional portrayal of the historical figure, the film follows her daily life in the aftermath of her husband’s assassination, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the legendary American president who was killed in Dallas in 1963.

Alongside Greta Gerwig and Peter Sarsgaard, the actress shines as a grieving First Lady. She completely transformed for that role and masterfully captured Jackie Kennedy’s distinctive voice, refined manners, and innate grace.

That mesmerising performance was the result of a thorough search into archives. It allowed Natalie Portman to, not only grasp Jackie’s physical appearance, but also her very essence.

Jackie (2016) by Pablo Larraín, available on Canal VOD.

An actress in the film May December

Following the success of Carol (2016), director Todd Haynes reunites two brilliant actresses, Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman, in May December (2024). Based on a true story, this drama comedy depicts the scandalous, unlawful relationship between a 36-year-old teacher and her 12-year-old student.

After exploring repressed homosexuality within heterosexual couples in Far from Heaven (2002), the director is back with a story about an actress (Natalie Portman), who closely observes a couple in order to embody the female character in her upcoming film. Thanks to a meticulous study of Julianne Moore’s every move, Natalie Portman is able to mimic her expressions and features, ultimately blending into this troubling character.

May December (2024) by Todd Haynes, available on Arte Boutique.