Pakistan, Jan. 26 -- Natalie Portman has drawn attention to the lack of female representation in the 2026 Academy Awards nominations, saying the issue reflects persistent barriers faced by women in the film industry.

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Speaking at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah while promoting her latest film The Gallerist, the Oscar-winning actress expressed disappointment over this year's Best Director category. Of the nominees announced, only one woman - Chloe Zhao for Hamnet - was recognised.

"So many of the best films I saw this year were made by women," Portman told Variety on Saturday. "You just see the barriers at every level because so many were not recognised at awards tim...