Natalie Portman Talks ‘May December’ and Her Whirlwind Cannes

Since her lauded take on the titular first lady in 2016’s Jackie, Natalie Portman has flown slightly under the radar, rolling out powerful performances in independent releases like Vox Lux but largely avoiding the spotlight. But that’s all about to change: with May December, Todd Haynes’s delicious new drama about an ambitious actor studying the controversial woman (Julianne Moore) she’s about to play, the 41-year-old Hollywood stalwart is firmly back in the awards conversation.

Her road to the Oscars began, of course, with the film’s Cannes premiere, where she dazzled critics with her wonderfully flinty and flirtatious turn, and stunned the assembled crowd with her spectacular Dior ballgown. It wasn’t the only glittering red-carpet event that brought her to the Croisette, either. This year, she also joined the long list of luminaries (which includes Cate Blanchett, Jessica Chastain, and Julia Roberts, to name but a few) selected to present the Trophée Chopard, the historic maison’s two annual prizes awarded to the most promising rising stars. Its latest recipients? I Wanna Dance with Somebody’s extraordinary Naomi Ackie and Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’s charismatic Daryl McCormack, who were both in attendance at the glamorous gala dinner Portman hosted in celebration.

Between her numerous parties, photo calls, and press conferences, we grabbed five minutes with Portman on the sun-drenched rooftop of Cannes’s Hôtel Martinez to discuss her return to the festival, the advice she’d give to the two young actors, and the ethics of playing a real person.

Vogue: Trophée Chopard has quite an illustrious history. What does it mean to you to have presented it to these two brilliant actors? 

Natalie Portman: It’s just really so exciting to be at the point in my career where I can encourage and support other talent, and to see these young actors—Naomi and Daryl—and everything they’ve already accomplished with their work is amazing. They’re both such incredible performers. It’s been lovely to get to know them as people as well, and when you think about the iconic roles they’ve played so far, you can imagine what they’ll go on to do. And as for Chopard, it’s really beautiful to see the company’s dedication to cinema and to artists, and the way in which they really celebrate and promote young people. It’s a wonderful thing that they’ve chosen to do with their power.