Dhaka, Jan. 26 -- Hollywood actress Natalie Portman has criticized the Oscars 2026 for not properly recognizing women filmmakers. She raised the issue during a press conference at the Sundance Film Festival for her new film The Gallerist.

Portman said several strong films by women directors were ignored this year. While Hamnet, directed by Chloe Zhao, received eight nominations, broader representation of women in awards was missing. She cited films such as Sorry Baby, Left-Handed Girl, Hedda and The Testament of Ann Lee as examples that deserved recognition.

Portman added that exclusion begins early in the industry and continues at higher levels, affecting awards recognition.

During the same event, she condemned the actions of US ICE a...