**Natalie Portman Opens Up About Navigating Hollywood Awards Season Sober**
Hollywood star Natalie Portman has candidly shared the challenges she faced attending awards ceremonies sober while pregnant, a rare experience in the often celebratory and alcohol-fuelled world of film. Speaking on the ‘Dish’ podcast, the Oscar-winning actress discussed the pressure and scrutiny she experienced during the high-profile events, particularly whilst promoting her 2010 psychological thriller, *Black Swan*.
Portman, now 43, found herself in the media spotlight not only as a contender for major awards, but also because of her pregnancy. She was four months along when she attended the 83rd Academy Awards, where she was ultimately awarded Best Actress, a career milestone. However, beneath the glamour, she described the reality as significantly more challenging than it appeared to the public.
“Being pregnant meant I couldn’t drink at any of the events,” Portman explained during her podcast appearance. “It was a lot to deal with — all the stress, the constant attention, and everyone else around me relaxing with a glass in hand, while I was the only one staying completely sober.” She noted that being one of the few not partaking in the usual drinks at these gatherings highlighted how alcohol remains an integral part of the Hollywood social circuit.
Attending award ceremonies while pregnant also subjected Portman to a stream of unsolicited commentary regarding her appearance and baby bump. She recounted, “People kept telling me I looked like I was about to give birth any day, and I’d have to politely remind them I was actually just four months in. Some even joked about me having a baby on the red carpet!” The emotional and physical toll of such attention, on top of the normal demands of awards season, added a layer of discomfort during what was supposed to be one of the happiest periods of her life.
Despite these difficulties, Portman found simple pleasures to help her cope. She allowed herself a daily treat of mille-feuille — a classic French pastry — throughout her pregnancy, describing it as “pure joy.” At the time, she was still a vegetarian, and this indulgence became a comforting routine amid the constant demands and critique of awards season.
Since then, Portman has adopted a fully vegan lifestyle, which has introduced new challenges, particularly given her current residence in Paris. She acknowledged that traditional French cuisine is not the easiest for a vegan, and as a result, she often seeks out international fare when dining out in the city. “French restaurants can still be really tough as a vegan,” she commented. “Lately I tend to opt for Moroccan, Lebanese, Thai, or Indian food — you just get a lot more options that way.”
Portman also shared a humorous anecdote about her earlier vegetarian days in France, when she thought French onion soup was a safe bet, only to later learn it typically contains beef stock. “I just thought it was a delicious vegetarian option. Then someone told me, and I suppose I got some extra protein for a while!” she joked.
Throughout her career, Natalie Portman has been open about her commitment to plant-based living, as well as the complexities it brings, especially in traditional culinary capitals like Paris. Her willingness to discuss the less glamorous side of Hollywood — from managing sober nights at high-pressure events to navigating food choices in a city famed for its dairy- and meat-heavy cuisine — offers a refreshing perspective on the realities faced by stars behind the scenes.
Portman’s reflections not only humanise the awards season experience, but also highlight the endurance required to meet both personal and professional expectations under intense public scrutiny. For many, her openness serves as a reminder of the unseen realities even the brightest stars confront on their path to success.