Happy Birthday, Natalie Portman!

Today, we are celebrating the 31st birthday of actress Natalie Portman. Born Natalie Hershlag in Jerusalem, her family soon moved to the United States and ultimately settled in New York, where she still currently resides. Although she succeeded academically, Portman managed to nab a few film roles as a teenager that started her on her acting journey. It wasn't until her role as Queen Amidala in the Star Wars prequels that she hit superstardom, and those performances helped open a number of doors for her continuing career. At the same time, however, Portman attended Harvard University and graduated with a degree in psychology. In 2009, Portman started to date her Black Swan choreographer Benjamin Millepied. The two have since been married and have a son. Here's a few fun facts and accolades awarded to Natalie Portman throughout her acting career:

Acting

First Film: Léon: The Professional (1994)

Last Film: Thor (2011)

Next Film: Lawless (2013)

Academy Awards

Nominated: Best Supporting Actress, Closer (2004)

Won: Best Actress, Black Swan (2010)

Over the years, I've managed to see twelve of Portman's films, and on average, her films have received a 'B' grade. From these twelve, I have created the following list of my five favorite of her performances: 

5. Grace Cahill

Brothers (2009)

*****

4. Evey

V for Vendetta (2006)

*****

3. Sara

Cold Mountain (2003)

*****

2. Sam

Garden State (2004)

*****

1. Nina Sayers

Black Swan (2010)

Once again, I would like to wish Natalie Portman a happy 31st birthday!