Oscars 2020: Natalie Portman & Chris Rock Calls Out Snubbing Of Female Directors

It was a night of glamour and glitz in Hollywood as leading ladies of the industry made red carpet appearances and put their best fashion foot forward. Among them were Priyanka Chopra, Gal Gaddot, Scarlett Johnson, Kristin Wiig, Joanne Tucker and more who were dressed in their best attires.

However, it was Natalie Portman who caught media's attention the most. The actress made a stunning statement at the Oscars in a custom black gown by Dior. Her outfit bore a high neck, a gold belt clinched at her waist, loads of golden embroidery and a black cap. But there was something special about the gown. Upon closer inspection, we found that the lining of the actress’s elegant Dior cape features the name of female directors who were not nominated this year. 

WE MUST SUPPORT pic.twitter.com/f6xge4f1AQ

— rachel syme (@rachsyme) February 10, 2020

When asked about her outfit, Natalie told a leading media portal, “I wanted to recognize the women who were not recognized for their incredible work this year in a subtle way." Names embroidered on her cape are: Lorene Scafaria (Hustlers), Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Greta Gerwig (Little Women), Mati Diop (Atlantics), Marielle Heller (A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood), Melina Matsoukas (Queen & Slim), Alma Har'el (Honey Boy) and Celine Sciamma (Portrait of a Lady on Fire).

This is why #NataliePortman is our Queen! #OscarDirectorSoMale #Oscars #Oscar2020 pic.twitter.com/PHQOPAgo0P

— Geeks&Goddesses (@geeksngoddesses) February 10, 2020

This is not the first time that Portman threw shade at the lack of female directors nominated at the Academy Awards. In 2018, Portman introduced the category saying, "...and here are the all-male nominees." Watch the video below: 

Natalie Portman calling out the all-male nominees in the best director category is extremely a 2018 mood. #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/Q2L7ieDBjm

— michael blackmon (@blackmon) January 8, 2018

Not only Natalie but other celebs also called out snubbing of female directors. 

Janelle Monáe also made a lyrical call-out

Like Portman, singer Janelle Monáe too took a stand. “Tonight, we celebrate all the amazing talent in this room. We celebrate all the women who directed phenomenal films,” she said, drawing attention to the phenomenal female-directors who weren’t nominated. She added: “I’m so proud to stand here as a black, queer artist, telling stories. Happy Black History Month!”

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Steve Martin & Chris Rock 

But it’s not just the ladies who took a stand. Opening the show, Chris Rock and Steve Martin also took a minute to throw light at the lack of female directors nominated at the Academy Awards. 

While talking about the directing category, Steve Martin mused, “There’s something missing this year." To which Chris Rock quickly replied, “Vaginas”.

The Oscars 2020 is being held at the Dolby Theatres in Hollywood and was telecast in India on February 10 at 6:30 am on Star Movies.

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