Natalie Portman Calls Out ICE Shooting and Awards Snubs at Sundance

Natalie Portman appeared at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, wearing pins that read 'ICE Out' and 'Be Good' during press events for her new film 'The Gallerist'. This came hours after federal agents fatally shot a man in Minneapolis. The 'Be Good' pin refers to Renée Good, killed by ICE agents in the city earlier this month. Portman also used the interviews to point out how awards shows have overlooked films directed by women, such as 'Sorry Baby' and 'Ann Lee', saying they deserve more recognition.

Background

The Sundance Film Festival runs through February 1, 2026, in Park City, Utah. It features world premieres of independent films seeking distribution deals. This year marks a special moment as the festival honors founder Robert Redford and celebrates its legacy in independent storytelling. Organizers selected 97 projects, including features and episodic content from around the world.

Natalie Portman stars in 'The Gallerist', directed by Cathy Yan. The film follows Polina Polinski, a gallerist played by Portman, who tries to build her reputation at Art Basel in Miami. She works with her assistant, played by Jenna Ortega, and gets caught up in a scheme to sell a dead body. The cast includes Zach Galifianakis as an art influencer, Da'Vine Joy Randolph as an emerging artist, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sterling K. Brown, Daniel Brühl, and singer Charli XCX. Producers include Portman herself, along with Ash Sarohia, Sophie Mas, Jonathan King, and Tom McCarthy. The screenplay comes from James Pedersen.

The festival has drawn other stars too. Olivia Wilde directed 'The Invite', written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. It stars Wilde and Seth Rogen as a couple hosting neighbors Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton for dinner, where tensions boil over. Wilde also appeared in Gregg Araki's 'I Want Your Sex'. Other premieres include 'Wicker' with Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård, and documentaries like 'Jane Elliott Against the World' and 'Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story'.

Portman's pins drew attention amid recent events in Minneapolis. Renée Good died after an encounter with ICE agents. Reports say Good was shot during the incident. The timing of Portman's appearance, just hours after another fatal shooting by federal agents in the same city, added weight to her message. Sundance has long been a place where actors mix film promotion with social statements.

Key Details

Portman spoke at the Variety Studio during the festival's press circuit. She promoted 'The Gallerist' while addressing broader issues. Her 'ICE Out' pin calls for action against Immigration and Customs Enforcement practices. The 'Be Good' pin honors Renée Good directly.

Films Overlooked by Awards

Portman named specific movies directed by women that she believes did not get the accolades they deserved. 'Sorry Baby' and 'Ann Lee' were among them. She argued these films show strong work from female directors but missed out on major awards recognition. This fits a pattern at awards shows where women-directed projects sometimes get less attention compared to male-led ones.

"These films are not getting the accolades they deserve." – Natalie Portman

In 'The Gallerist', Portman's character navigates the cutthroat art world. She hosts previews for influencers like Dalton Hardberry, played by Galifianakis. The story highlights pressures on gallerists and artists. Jenna Ortega plays her assistant, adding energy to the plot. The film premiered at the Eccles Theater, a key venue at Sundance.

Other festival highlights include 'The Invite', where small talk turns into revelations of grievances and insecurities. Wilde's direction draws from her earlier work like 'Booksmart'. The comedy streak continued with multiple premieres on Saturday.

Portman's history of activism includes past statements on women's rights and industry equality. At Sundance, she blended this with her role promotion. The festival's programming director, Kim Yutani, noted the lineup's focus on human stories and new voices.

What This Means

Portman's comments spotlight ongoing debates about law enforcement actions, especially ICE's role in communities. The Minneapolis incidents raise questions about use of force and accountability. Her pins bring national attention to local tragedies during a high-profile event watched by film industry leaders and fans.

On awards, her callout shows pushes for more inclusion of women directors. Films like 'Sorry Baby' and 'Ann Lee' represent work that critics praised but awards passed over. This could influence voters in upcoming seasons, as Sundance often launches Oscar contenders. 'The Gallerist' itself positions Portman and Yan as contenders in categories like acting and direction.

The festival's star power, with names like Portman, Ortega, Rogen, Cruz, and Norton, boosts visibility for independent cinema. Deals for distribution often follow premieres, potentially bringing these stories to wider audiences. Sundance Acting CEO Amanda Kelso emphasized fostering creativity and community.

Portman's dual focus on protest and film shows how actors use platforms like Sundance to address social issues. The 'ICE Out' message may spark discussions on immigration policy. Meanwhile, 'The Gallerist' explores art world ethics, mirroring real pressures on creators. As the festival continues, more statements and deals are expected, shaping the year's film landscape.

Attendance at screenings like the Eccles Theater premiere shows strong interest. Lines formed early, with audiences eager for comedies and dramas. Portman's presence adds to the buzz, drawing media coverage beyond entertainment.