Natalie Portman’s Breakthrough in Everyone Says I Love You: A Glimpse of Hollywood Stardom

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Natalie Portman portrayed Laura Dandridge in the 1996 American musical film Everyone Says I Love You, marking one of her early roles in what would become a highly acclaimed career.

Even at a young age, her talent set the stage for her future successes in Hollywood, both in acting and as a global fashion icon. Fast forward to 2017, and Portman, now a seasoned star, made a stunning appearance at the L.A. Dance Project’s Annual Gala, showcasing her enduring elegance and long-standing partnership with Dior.

Natalie Portman’s Early Role in Everyone Says I Love You Showcased Her Versatility

During the movie’s filming in late 1995, Natalie Portman was 14 years old. When “Everyone Says I Love You” was released on December 8, 1996, Natalie Portman was around 15 years old.

Julia Roberts, who played Von Sidell, was 29 years old at the time of the film’s release. Drew Barrymore was 21, Edward Norton was 27, Goldie Hawn was 51, Alan Alda was 60, and Woody Allen was 61.

Natalie Portman played the character of Laura Dandridge and Gaby Hoffmann portrayed Lane Dandridge in the 1996 American musical film Everyone Says I Love YouNatalie Portman played the character of Laura Dandridge and Gaby Hoffmann portrayed Lane Dandridge in the 1996 American musical film Everyone Says I Love You (Credit: Miramax Films)

Woody Allen did not tell the actors that it was a musical until after they signed their contracts. This was the first time they had acted in a musical, and none had any singing experience.

Goldie Hawn sang so well that Allen had to ask her to try to sing worse. He wanted the singing to sound realistic, and her voice was too good.

On the other hand, Drew Barrymore convinced Allen that her singing was so bad it would be more believable. She even joked that she doesn’t sing, not even in the shower.

While most actors sang their own songs, Drew was the exception—Olivia Hayman dubbed her singing. Edward Norton, however, was such a strong singer that Allen asked him to tone it down to fit the film’s style.

Woody Allen and Goldie Hawn play Joe Berlin and Steffi Dandridge, respectively, in the romantic comedy-drama film Everyone Says I Love YouWoody Allen and Goldie Hawn play Joe Berlin and Steffi Dandridge, respectively, in the romantic comedy-drama film Everyone Says I Love You (Credit: Miramax Films)

Drew Barrymore had to wear a wig because her hair was purple then. Billy Crudup was also in the cast but didn’t share any scenes with Roberts or Portman. However, he would star opposite Roberts in Eat Pray Love (2010) and Portman in Jackie (2016).

This was the first of two films in which Natalie Portman (Laura Dandridge) appears with “I Love You” in the title. The second was the 2008 American romantic comedy-drama anthology film” New York, I Love You.”

Julia Roberts and Natalie Portman would work together again in Closer (2004), released eight years later. Portman’s early roles, like her portrayal of Laura Dandridge in Everyone Says I Love You, helped establish her as a versatile actress with a growing presence in Hollywood.

This early recognition of her talent also paralleled her evolving sense of style, later cementing her as a global fashion icon. Fast forward to 2017, and Portman’s enduring elegance was on full display at the L.A. Dance Project’s Annual Gala, a testament to her long-standing collaboration with Dior.

Natalie Portman Stays True to Dior Despite Anti-Semitic Controversy

Natalie Portman brought to the monochromatic ensemble with her dazzling, colorful Van Cleef & Arpels earrings at L.A. Dance Project's annual galaNatalie Portman brought to the monochromatic ensemble with her dazzling, colorful Van Cleef & Arpels earrings at L.A. Dance Project’s Annual Gala in Los Angeles on October 7, 2017 (Credit: Brian To / Nicky Nelson / WENN)

Natalie Portman signed on with Dior in June 2010, debuting her first ad campaign just a few months after the release of her critically acclaimed film Black Swan.

Despite the anti-Semitic controversy that erupted shortly after, in which then-Dior head designer John Galliano was filmed making offensive remarks, Portman — who is “proud to be Jewish” — remained committed to the brand. Galliano was fired shortly after the controversy.

Natalie Portman stunned in a Christian Dior black dress that exuded elegance and a touch of balletic grace, with a ruched and romantically flowing skirtNatalie Portman stunned in a Christian Dior black dress that exuded elegance and a touch of balletic grace, with a ruched and romantically flowing skirt (Credit: Brian To / Nicky Nelson / WENN)

In October 2017, the Thor: Love and Thunder actress stepped out in a head-to-toe Dior look at her husband’s LA Dance Project gala in Los Angeles, further cementing her status as one of the most stylish women in the world.

Portman had aged gracefully with the brand seven years since signing with Dior.

Natalie Portman shows off her feet in black Dior ankle-strap heelsNatalie Portman shows off her feet in black Dior ankle-strap heels (Credit: Brian To / Nicky Nelson / WENN)

Natalie was spotted in a frumpy black dress, reminding us of a recent Louis Vuitton phase. While Natalie looks impeccable in pretty much anything, this doesn’t land on our list of favorite looks. The fit of the bodice is pretty cringe-worthy.

Serious diamonds: Natalie Portman wore jewelry from Van Cleef & ArpelsSerious diamonds: Natalie Portman wore jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels (Credit: Brian To / Nicky Nelson / WENN)

The Star Wars actress, who is also a staunch animal rights advocate, interestingly upcycled a pair of Dior heels from 2015.

Natalie Portman adds a pop of color to her all-black look with beaded earringsNatalie Portman adds a pop of color to her all-black look with beaded earrings (Credit: Brian To / Nicky Nelson / WENN)

A pop of colored earrings and some diamonds from Van Cleef & Arpels finished the look.

Look of love: Natalie Portman supports her husband, dancer, and choreographer Benjamin MillepiedLook of love: Natalie Portman supports her husband, dancer, and choreographer Benjamin Millepied (Credit: Brian To / Nicky Nelson / WENN)

Under the artistic direction of Maria Grazia Chiuri, the third creative appointed after Galliano’s exit and the first woman to spearhead the brand, Natalie transitioned her look into a more minimalist one.

Despite Portman’s changing preferences, Chiuri’s usual aesthetic still ties nicely with the Dior legacy. Natalie remained low-key throughout the night, supporting her husband, ballet dancer and “Black Swan” choreographer Benjamin Millepied.