Natalie Portman appeared at the Sundance Film Festival wearing pins reading ICE Out and Be Good, the latter honoring Renée Good, who was recently killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis. This gesture came shortly after a fatal shooting by federal agents in the city, prompting Portman to openly criticize ICE’s actions during a Variety Studio interview presented by Audible. Portman’s comments highlighted her concern over ongoing ICE brutality while attending the festival to promote her film The Gallerist.
Actress Addresses ICE Brutality and Celebrates Community Resilience
During the interview, Portman acknowledged the stark contrast between the joyous atmosphere of Sundance and the challenging realities facing the nation. She remarked that the current period is “quite devastating” and emphasized the need to end ICE’s abusive practices immediately. Despite the grim backdrop, she praised the strength of American communities standing together for protection and freedom.
This is such a joyful community celebrating film here and we’re so excited to be showing ‘The Gallerist,’ but we’re also at a moment in our country’s history that is quite devastating,
Portman said.
It’s really impossible not to talk about what is happening right now and the brutality of ICE and how it has to stop immediately. But also, there’s a beautiful community that Americans are showing right now. They’re showing up for each other, protecting each other and fighting for their freedom. It’s a bittersweet moment to celebrate something we’re so proud of on the backdrop of our nation in pain.
Highlighting ‘The Gallerist’ and Praise for Female Talent
Portman’s interview preceded the world premiere of The Gallerist, a film directed by Cathy Yan, known for her work on Birds of Prey. The story focuses on a desperate gallerist who plans to sell a dead body at Art Basel Miami. Alongside Portman, the film stars Jenna Ortega, who received strong praise for her performance and professionalism.
She’s such a fucking great actress and so knowledgeable about film,
Portman said of Ortega.
She’s so on and in it. It is rare. I think you’re very focused and in tune with everything. You’re not there to mess around.
Portman also lauded Yan’s leadership abilities, noting her clear artistic vision and skill in balancing satire with genuine emotion throughout the film’s production.
She has a specificity of vision. All the work ahead of time and her precise leadership leads to the possibility of spontaneity. Balancing this very specific tone that is satirical but also true emotion in it, which is almost impossible to create, she knew how to do it and guide us to it.
Criticism of the Academy for Overlooking Female Directors
With several female-directed films premiering at Sundance and the recent Oscar nominations fresh in mind, Portman criticized the Academy for largely overlooking movies made by women. Although Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet secured eight nominations including best picture and best director, other remarkable works by women failed to receive recognition.
So many of the best films I saw this year were made by women,
Portman stated.
You just see the barriers at every level because so many were not recognized at awards time. Between ‘Sorry Baby’ and ‘Left-Handed Girl’ and ‘Hedda’ and ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’… Extraordinary films this year that I think a lot of people are enjoying and loving, but are not getting the accolades they deserve.
Significance and Future Implications
Natalie Portman’s outspoken stance at Sundance underscores growing frustration over immigration enforcement tactics and the ongoing gender disparity in the film industry. By combining her activism against ICE brutality with her support for women filmmakers like Cathy Yan and Jenna Ortega, Portman draws attention to critical social issues amid a major cultural event. Her remarks could strengthen public pressure on immigration policies and encourage more inclusive recognition of women’s contributions in cinema during upcoming awards seasons.
