Natalie Portman fully embraced her Black Swan era in this season’s balletcore trend for the Los Angeles screening of her latest movie, May December.
In the film, Portman stars as Elizabeth Berry, an actress preparing to portray Gracie Atherton (Julianne Moore), the real-life subject of her next movie. As part of her preparation, she stays with Atherton and her younger husband, Joe Yoo, to better understand their life.
Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore star in May December, blending psychological drama with stylized costuming (Credit: Netflix)
Atherton became a tabloid sensation 20 years ago when she started a sexual relationship with her then-13-year-old student, Joe Yoo. She went to jail, gave birth to her children with Joe, and eventually married him after serving time in prison.
As Berry immerses herself in the role and digs further into their personal lives, Gracie and Joe begin to unravel.
Before its limited theatrical release in the US on November 17, 2023, May December debuted at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May. The movie will be available for streaming on Netflix beginning December 1.
Natalie Portman showcases her cleavage and legs in a black minidress by Schiaparelli, reminiscent of her Black Swan era, at the Los Angeles premiere of May December on November 17, 2023 (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Arriving at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures last Friday, Natalie Portman looked the epitome of balletcore aesthetic in a black minidress from Schiaparelli’s Spring 2024 Ready-to-Wear collection.
The top half showcased a glittery, structured bodice with a deep plunging neckline that exposed her sternum and a spiky starburst appliqué attached to the left bust, resembling a sea urchin.
The cummerbund-style waistband highlighted her tiny waist, flowing into a structured, tutu-inspired, ruffled miniskirt made of shimmering fabric.
Natalie Portman pairs her glittery black minidress with Jimmy Choo open-toe heels, showing off her red pedicure (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
The Thor actress let her gorgeous minidress speak for itself by eschewing other accessories. She opted for minimal styling, wearing just a pair of black Jimmy Choo open-toe sandals that displayed her red pedicure.
Noticeably missing was her wedding ring amid reports of separation from her husband of 11 years, Benjamin Millepied, who allegedly cheated on her with climate activist Camille Étienne.
Fashion stylist Ryan Hastings, whose high-profile clients include Rooney Mara and Anya Taylor-Joy, put together Portman’s exquisite evening look.
Mara Roszak styled Portman’s brunette hair sleek and straight before using her haircare product to give it a high shine and smooth finish. Lisa Storey, meanwhile, gave her a soft, radiant beauty look with smoky brown eyeshadow, mascara, rosy pink blush, and matching pink lips.
Natalie Portman styles her brunette hair straight and highlights her features with smokey eyeshadow, mascara, and pink lipstick (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Behind the Scenes: Natalie Portman on Working with Julianne Moore in May December
In an interview with Netflix Queue, Natalie Portman revealed working with Julianne Moore was a “highlight” of her career.
“I’ve admired Julie for so long, and particularly her work with Todd. Their collaborations have stayed in my mind as some of the highlights of films that I love. So, to get to be working with them together is absolutely a highlight of my life.”
Portman, who also serves as a producer of the movie, reportedly brought the script to Haynes in 2020.
Julianne Moore, in a red strapless gown, and Natalie Portman, in a black spiky mini-dress reminiscent of her “Black Swan” era, posed together at the Los Angeles screening of their film May December on November 17, 2023 (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Although there are similarities between the controversial Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau case in real life and Grace and Joe’s story, Moore and Portman emphasized in an interview with ET during the red carpet premiere that Samy Burch, the May December writer, only “used it as an inspiration.”
“This is not a story about those people. But it certainly was a jumping-off point,” said Moore. Portman added, “It was very much an inspiration, it’s not meant to be a depiction of them.”
👠 Julianne Moore & Natalie Portman: Recent Fashion Highlights
- 📏 Julianne Moore Dazzles in Sculptural Midnight Blue Velvet Gown – At the UK premiere of Mary & George, Julianne Moore stunned in a bespoke Schiaparelli gown crafted from midnight blue velvet, exuding timeless sophistication.
- 📏 Natalie Portman Stuns in Dior and Oscar de la Renta at Lady In The Lake – At the New York premiere of her Apple TV+ series, Portman captivated in a strapless black Dior mini dress with a mesh overlay and a sleek black leather belt.
- 📏 Jury President Julianne Moore Takes Fashion Risks at Venice Film Festival – As jury president, Moore embraced bold fashion choices, including a sheer black Valentino gown and a tailored Celine trouser suit.
- 📏 Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton Promote The Room Next Door in Edgy Ensembles – At the Madrid photocall, Moore showcased her minimalist style in an all-black Attersee ensemble, featuring the ‘Cecily’ off-the-shoulder jacket and matching cigarette trousers, paired with black pointed-toe mule boots.
- 📏 Natalie Portman Shines in Balmain’s Rose-Inspired Look at the 2024 Spirit Awards – Portman infused the red carpet with her brand of allure, transforming it into her rose garden of style and sophistication.