Natalie Portman Clarifies Relationship with Paul Mescal: "I’m in Awe of His Talent

Amidst swirling rumors, Natalie Portman has addressed recent photos of her and Paul Mescal seen together outside a London pub. The images, which showed the two stars enjoying cigarettes and sharing laughs, quickly went viral and fueled speculation about a potential romantic relationship.

In a new interview with The Guardian, Portman clarified their relationship status, confirming that she and Mescal are merely friends. "I’m very in awe of his talent," she stated, putting an end to the dating rumors.

The friendship between Portman and Mescal seems rooted in mutual respect for each other’s work. The two had previously participated in a Variety Actors on Actors interview, where Mescal discussed his highly praised film "All Of Us Strangers."

The photos of Portman and Mescal quickly made the rounds on social media, captivating fans and media alike. Despite the buzz, both actors have maintained a professional relationship focused on their admiration for each other’s talent.

Earlier this year, Portman shared her views on the current state of the film industry, suggesting that film as a primary form of entertainment is on the decline. Speaking to Vanity Fair, she noted the growing influence of YouTubers over traditional movie stars among younger generations.

Portman sees the decline in film popularity as a chance for artistic freedom. "There’s a liberation to it, in having your art not be a popular art," she explained, emphasizing the opportunity to focus on passion rather than commercial success.

In January, Portman opened up about the challenges of method acting for women, describing it as a "luxury women can’t afford." She highlighted the societal constraints that limit women’s behavior and the expectations placed on them.