The Enchanting Love Story of Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied: From 'Black Swan' to Building a Beautiful Family
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied's love story blossomed on the set of 'Black Swan' in 2009, leading to an engagement just a year later Follow their enchanting journey through parenthood and milestones together, from 2010 to 2023
Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied's love story blossomed while working together on the set of the 2009 film Black Swan. Portman fondly remembers being in a dreamlike state throughout the experience, finding it incredibly enjoyable, as she shared during a June 2018 interview on "Sirius XM Town Hall."
The Star Wars actress expressed uncertainty about whether she immediately clicked with the French dancer, who served as a choreographer on Black Swan. However, as she got to know him better, she realized that he was the right person for her.
In February 2011, Portman received the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the film directed by Darren Aronofsky. At that time, she and Millepied were engaged and looking forward to welcoming their first child. During her acceptance speech, the actress from V for Vendetta expressed gratitude to her then-fiancé.
"To the love of my life, Benjamin Millepied, the talented choreographer of the film and the one who has bestowed upon me the most significant role: motherhood," she expressed, affectionately placing a hand on her belly.
Their son, Aleph, was joyfully welcomed into the world in June 2011. By the following July, Portman affirmed to Madame Figaro of France that her family was her utmost priority. "There is nothing more crucial than my personal life," she asserted. "It always takes precedence and, when compared to the bliss derived from a thriving family life, everything else seems superficial."
Portman and Millepied got married in a private ceremony in California in 2012. They had announced their engagement in 2010. Their daughter, Amalia, was born in 2017.
According to Portman, becoming a parent has changed her perspective and made her less judgmental. In a 2013 interview with The Telegraph, she acknowledged that parenting is a unique experience for each individual. She emphasized that there are no strict guidelines or rules when it comes to parenting. Portman highlighted that choices such as breastfeeding or going back to work vary from person to person, and there is no defined definition of what it means to be a feminist or a good mother.
In addition to co-parenting, Millepied and Portman had the opportunity to collaborate professionally in the 2018 film Vox Lux. Portman, known for her role in Thor: Love and Thunder, portrayed the fictional pop star Celeste Montgomery while her husband choreographed her dance sequences.
Millepied has expressed admiration for his wife's commitment to advocacy, particularly her vocal support for animal rights and anti-poverty causes.
He praised her work as inspirational, noting her dedication to improving the world in the past year. He mentioned their conversations about making a difference and emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of community at home.
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Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied's Relationship Timeline: From ‘Black Swan’ to Parenthood
A beautiful love story. Natalie Portman and her husband, Benjamin Millepied, met on the set of her film Black Swan in 2009.
"I believe I was in a sort of dream state. It was quite... it appeared to be quite enjoyable throughout," Portman expressed about her experience of getting acquainted with her husband while filming the psychological thriller, in a June 2018 interview on "Sirius XM Town Hall."
The Star Wars actress further mentioned that she wasn't certain if she had an immediate connection with the French dancer, who served as a choreographer on Black Swan. "It was more like, I truly got to know him and that's when it became apparent, 'Oh, yes, this is the person,'" she disclosed.
In February 2011, Portman received the Academy Award for Best Actress for her remarkable performance in the Darren Aronofsky film. At that time, she and Millepied were engaged and eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child. During her heartfelt acceptance speech, the V for Vendetta actress expressed her gratitude to her then-fiancé, Benjamin Millepied, who not only choreographed the film but also blessed her with the most significant role of her life, pointing to her growing belly.
In June 2011, the couple joyfully welcomed their son, Aleph. The following July, Portman expressed in an interview with France's Madame Figaro that her family was her top priority. She firmly stated, "There is nothing more important than my personal life. It always takes precedence and, in comparison to the happiness of a fulfilling family life, everything else seems unimportant."
In August 2012, after announcing their engagement in late 2010, Portman and Millepied shared an intimate wedding ceremony near Big Sur in California. Their daughter, Amalia, entered the world in 2017.
"I have become less judgmental since becoming a parent. The most important lesson I have learned is that parenting is a unique experience for each individual," stated the Garden State actress during an interview with The Telegraph in 2013. "There are no strict guidelines; everything is open and acceptable, with the exception of causing harm to your child. Some mothers breastfeed until their child is five, while others choose not to breastfeed at all. There are no defined rules for what it means to be a feminist or a good mother. Some may find it right to return to work, while others may decide to leave their careers entirely."
In addition to raising their children together, Millepied and Portman had the opportunity to collaborate professionally in the 2018 film Vox Lux. Portman, known for her role in Thor: Love and Thunder, portrayed the fictional pop star Celeste Montgomery, while her husband choreographed her dance scenes.
The former principal dancer of the New York City Ballet has expressed great admiration for his wife's advocacy efforts. Portman, known for her strong stance on animal rights and her support for anti-poverty causes, has been a source of inspiration for him. He admires her dedication and drive to improve the world. In a conversation with We magazine in October 2018, he shared his belief that her work is inspirational and discussed their discussions on how to make a difference. Personally, he focuses on creating a sense of community and making a positive impact in their own home.
Scroll through for a look at Portman and Millepied’s love story over the years:
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2009
The couple met on the set of Portman’s film Black Swan, for which Millepied was a choreographer. They began dating soon after.
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2010
The couple made an exciting announcement revealing their engagement and the anticipation of their first child. A confidential source close to Portman disclosed to Us in January 2011 that the news of the pregnancy caught them by surprise. In the wake of this revelation, he proposed to her, resulting in joy and contentment in their lives.
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June 2011
Portman and Millepied happily celebrated the birth of their first child, son Aleph, in June. In September 2013, the No Strings Attached actress expressed her love for motherhood, acknowledging that it requires much more dedication and effort than her career as an actress. She confessed to Elle UK that going to work actually feels like a welcome break amidst the demanding responsibilities of being a mom.
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August 2012
The lovebirds tied the knot in a private residence near Big Sur, California.
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2016
Millepied expressed his admiration for his wife’s performance as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the 2016 biopic Jackie during an interview with Variety. "Having seen the movie, I believe she delivers an exceptional portrayal. The film itself is remarkable, brimming with richness and intricate details. I am genuinely thrilled for her," he conveyed to the outlet.
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February 2017
The couple's family grew as they joyfully embraced the arrival of their daughter, Amalia. Portman disclosed to The New York Times in 2016 that motherhood had bestowed upon her a sense of tranquility amidst stress. She explained that parents possess a peculiar ability to remain composed even when faced with dire situations - a soothing tone of voice, a slowed heartbeat, and the power to restore tranquility.
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November 2018
Portman teamed up with her husband once more for the movie Vox Lux. In the film, the talented actress portrayed pop sensation Celeste Montgomery, while Millepied took charge of choreographing the dance sequences.
Speaking to Extra, she expressed her excitement about the collaboration, "My husband was the choreographer for the final performance...and it was an absolute blast. It was like I was living out my childhood fantasies of being a pop star, complete with a microphone. Plus, getting to work with my husband is always a joy."
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March 2022
Nearly 10 years after they said, “I do,” the couple gazed lovingly into each other’s eyes during their photo opportunities at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty.
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August 2022
"Wow, it's been ten years already @benjaminmillepied, and our love keeps blossoming…" the actress ecstatically shared on Instagram as she commemorated the duo's ten-year milestone. Well-known pals — from Kerry Washington to Alexis Ohanian — showered the couple with their heartfelt wishes in the comment section.
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December 2022
The couple was spotted looking cozy at a Moet & Chandon event in Paris.
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April 2023
Regarding their professional lives, Millepied disclosed to Us that he and Portman consider themselves "two artists with distinct aspirations and interests." He further mentioned, "Nonetheless, we do share updates with each other, and I am currently sending her a recently completed script."
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June 2023
The Brothers actress felt “humiliated” by allegations that Millepied cheated on her with a younger woman, a source exclusively told Us.
Natalie holds the belief that Benjamin's affair was a short and foolish affair that holds no significance to him. She is willing to see if she can regain her trust in him, in order to prevent their children from growing up in a dysfunctional household, according to the insider.
Nevertheless, a second source mentioned that it remains uncertain whether they will be able to repair their relationship after the allegations. The source noted that Millepied feels remorse for his actions and stated that currently, they are engaging in conversations and collaborating to work through the situation, primarily for the well-being of their children.
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August 2023
According to Us, Portman and Millepied have officially split after being married for 11 years due to Millepied's reported infidelity. A source exclusively shared with Us that despite efforts to reconcile, their marriage is currently strained.
