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Natalie Portman finalized her divorce from her French choreographer husband, according to a source close to the Oscar-winning actress, as reported to AFP. People magazine, which initially broke the news, indicated that the Black Swan actress had filed to dissolve her 11-year marriage to Benjamin Millepied in July of the previous year.
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied’s divorce was officially concluded in France in February 2024. Natalie Portman, aged 42, ranks among Hollywood’s elite actresses. She launched her career as a child star in Luc Besson’s thriller Leon: The Professional and has since starred in major blockbusters such as the Star Wars saga and Marvel Cinematic Universe films, as well as in critically acclaimed art-house productions.
Benjamin Millepied, renowned for his choreography, established himself as a prominent figure in the world of dance, beyond his collaborative efforts with Natalie Portman. His tenure as the director of dance at the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet from 2014 to 2016 highlighted his innovative approach to ballet, merging traditional techniques with contemporary perspectives. Benjamin Millepied’s ambition to modernize and rejuvenate the repertoire and the institution’s image reflected his commitment to the evolution of ballet as an art form. Following his departure from Paris, the choreographer turned his focus to Los Angeles, where he founded the L.A. Dance Project. This venture underscored his dedication to creating and presenting new works that foster dialogue between dance and other arts, showcasing his visionary outlook on the potential of dance in the 21st century. Through these endeavors, Millepied continued to contribute significantly to the dance community, influencing both performers and audiences worldwide with his creative genius and passion for the art of movement.
Natalie Portman encountered Millepied in 2009 on the set of Black Swan, a film that delves into the fiercely competitive world of professional ballet through a psychological horror lens. For her role in this film, she garnered the Academy Award for Best Actress. Millepied not only played a role in the film, but also contributed as a choreographer. The duo exchanged vows in California in 2012 and share two children: their son Aleph, aged 12, and their daughter Amalia, aged 7. In May of the preceding year, media outlets circulated reports of Millepied’s involvement in an extramarital affair. The allegations were never publicly addressed by the couple. Representatives for Portman had yet to reply to AFP’s request for comment as of Friday, March 8.
Black Swan stands as a pivotal film in Natalie Portman’s career, not merely for the accolades it earned her, but also for being the crucible in which her personal and professional lives intertwined. The movie’s portrayal of the dark underbelly of the ballet world, coupled with the actress’ intense preparation and performance, contributed significantly to its critical acclaim and commercial success. This project showcased Natalie Portman’s acting prowess and marked the beginning of her partnership with Benjamin Millepied, establishing a significant chapter in both their professional and personal lives.
With AFP.
