Natalie Portman confirmed she would not be able to attend the "89th Academy Awards" this year. The prestigious award-giving body for film is happening on Sunday, February 27.
Portman sent word she likewise won't be able to attend the "Film Independent Spirit Awards", which falls a day before the Oscars ceremony. People reports that Portman, however, explained her absence in a press statement.
"Due to my pregnancy, I am unable to attend the Independent Spirit Awards and the Academy Awards," the 35-year-old actress said. "I feel so lucky to be honored among my fellow nominees and wish them the most beautiful of weekends."
Married to French choreographer Benjamin Millepied, the "Black Swan" actress is currently heavy with their second child. Their eldest child Aleph, is 5 years old.
While fans are happy for the stork's arrival anytime soon, they were fervently hoping for Portman to show up despite her pregnancy. In hindsight, a pregnant Portman did walk down the Oscars red carpet in 2011, carrying her firstborn Aleph. The Paris-based actress was able to romp away with the Best Actress trophy that night for a stellar performance in "Black Swan".
Fans are nevertheless disappointed that the Oscars' A-list will be one star less, especially since Portman's chances of again bagging the "Best Actress" title looks promising. According to E! Online, Portman's nomination was for the movie "Jackie", where she portrayed the former American First Lady Jackie Kennedy.
The actress was also nominated in the "Best Actress" category for "Jackie" at the "Film Independent Awards" and the movie has been getting good reviews from both academy critics and fans. Hence, the film is also a strong contender for the "Best Editing", "Best Feature", and "Best Director" categories.
Some naysayers, however, perceive Portman's unpredictable attendance record during glitz events over the years as a snub. The actress in response has always been quick to counter the issue in past interviews.
In the August 2015 edition of Harper's Bazaar, for example, Portman extensively elaborated on how she balances work and family. To this date, her sentiments remain the same. According to Portman, it is more challenging shuttling between Paris and Los Angeles now that she has her own family, but she's nonetheless enjoying the ride.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
