Natalie Portman’s best roles, the compelling actress behind Jackie

by Nathan Merchadier.

1. Natalie Portman as an unpredictable teenager in Léon (1994)

Luc Besson’s Léon (1994) marked Natalie Portman’s explosive entry into the world of cinema at just 12 years old. In the film, the young actress plays Mathilda, a teenager whose family is brutally murdered, leading her to seek refuge with 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 between them.

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

Léon (1994) by Luc Besson, starring Natalie Portman, available on Amazon Prime.

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

Produced by the Wachowski sisters, in V for Vendetta (2006), director James McTeigue tells the story of a freedom fighter seeking violent revenge against a fascist government.

Natalie Portman plays the complex role of Evey Hammond, a character for which she even shaved her head during a pivotal scene in the film.

Beyond this bold move, her performance, oscillating between fragility, emotion, strength, and rebellion, earned her the Saturn Award for Best Actress in 2007.

V for Vendetta (2006) by James McTeigue, starring Natalie Portman, available on the Max platform.

3. A stunning, oscar-winning performance in Black Swan (2011)

In Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller Black Swan (2011), Natalie Portman immerses herself in the role of Nina Sayers, a perfectionist and obsessive ballerina.

To capture the complexity of her character, Portman underwent 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 deeply moving way—a performance that earned her the coveted Academy Award for Best Actress in 2011.

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

4. A deep and memorable portrayal in the biopic Jackie (2016)

In Pablo Larraín’s Jackie (2016), Natalie Portman portrays Jacqueline Kennedy in the days following the assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy, in 1963 in Dallas.

Alongside Greta Gerwig and Peter Sarsgaard, Portman shines as the First Lady, embodying her in a moment of profound grief. Metamorphosed for the role, she masterfully captures Jackie Kennedy’s distinctive voice, refined manners, and innate grace.

Her astonishing performance was achieved through deep research into archival material, allowing her to channel not just Jackie’s physical appearance but also her very essence.

Jackie (2016) by Pablo Larraín, starring Natalie Portman, available on VOD on MYCanal and airing on France 4 on April 26, 2025.

5. Natalie Portman in May December (2024) by Todd Haynes

Following the acclaim of Carol (2016), director Todd Haynes reunites two brilliant actresses, Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman, in May December (2024).

Inspired by a true story, this dramedy explores the scandalous and illegal relationship between a 36-year-old teacher and her 12-year-old student. Revisiting themes of repressed homosexuality within heterosexual couples in Far from Heaven (2002), Haynes now examines how an actress (played by Nathalie Portman) immerses herself into a real-life couple’s story to better embody her character in an upcoming film.

By meticulously studying Julianne Moore’s character’s every move, Portman mimics her expressions and physicality, ultimately blending entirely into this troubling persona.

May December (2024) by Todd Haynes, starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, available on VOD on MYCanal.