

Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Natalie Portman has added a new gig to her resume and we have Lena Dunham to thank for it...kind of, anyway.
Portman's directorial debut, A Tale of Love and Darkness, is getting all kinds of (well-deserved) buzz. The film, based on Amos Oz's memoir of the same name, focuses on a woman's relationship with her family during the early days of the State of Israel. The subject matter might seem intimidating, but Portman says it was nothing compared to the intimidation she felt as a woman taking the helm of a film as a director.
Hollywood's unfortunate reputation for sexism is well-documented at this point, and sadly persists in 2016. Portman says that Hollywood's tendency to label films directed by established actresses as "vanity projects" made her hesitant to sit in the director's chair, but Lena Dunham's Tiny Furniture inspired her.
"I remember seeing Tiny Furniture, Lena Dunham's film, and when the credits rolled I started crying because it was written by Lena Dunham, starring Lena Dunham, produced by Lena Dunham, and directed by Lena Dunham," Portman told Entertainment Weekly (opens in new tab). "This young woman has no fear of [saying] 'I did it, I did all of this.' And it was so good. It inspired me to not be afraid of that [criticism]."
With talented, smart, high-profile women like Portman and Dunham embracing roles as directors and all-around creators, hopefully the sexist notions that hold women back in Hollywood will soon be a thing of the past.

Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
The Secret to Having “It All”? A Society That Actually Supports Women
When asked how I “have it all,” I often cite my own hard work. But the truth is I had access to certain rights and privileges that are now under more attack than ever.
By Jo Piazza
-
Worth It: Byredo’s Flavoured Lip Balm
The Bergamotte de Bahia is my personal favorite.
By Samantha Holender
-
'The Sandman' Season 2: Everything We Know
The Netflix hit's creators have plans for a Sandman universe (and have already shot scenes for Season 5!).
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Feast Your Eyes on Ryan Gosling as Ken in Upcoming Movie 'Barbie'
Why does that bleached hair look so good on him?
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
22 Captivating Films About Royal Life
Once you've finished 'The Crown,' cue up one of these royally good films.
By Nicole Briese
-
Olivia Wilde's Movie Starring Harry Styles and Florence Pugh Officially Has a Release Date
Trying and failing not to scream.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Sandra Bullock Revealed the Movie She's Embarrassed About Making
Also Daniel Radcliffe was in two minds about 'Harry Potter.'
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are Parents
They welcomed a baby via surrogate.
By Neha Prakash