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Leon: The Professional (1994)
A tween Natalie Portman made her feature-film debut at the ripe ol' age of 13 in this film about a hit man (Jean Reno) who takes in a young girl after her family is murdered. Talk about a heavy hitter.
Now that she's an Oscar nominee, keep clicking to look back at some of Portman's key roles.
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Beautiful Girls (1996)
The budding actress garnered prase for her role as Marty, a precocious 13-year-old and self-described "old soul" who befriends a much older neighbor (Timothy Hutton) in town for a high school reunion.
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Anywhere But Here (1999)
Portman received her first Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of a reluctant daughter who's mother (Susan Sarandon) tries to mold her into an actress.
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Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace (1999)
The actress showcased her versatility while playing Queen Padme Amidala in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Not to mention, her character wore some pretty sweet outfits.
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Where the Heart Is (2000)
Playing a pregnant 17-year-old who is abandoned in a Walmart parking lot and forced to take up residence in the superstore, Portman proved that she can make her audiences believe anything.
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Garden State (2004)
As an epileptic, a compulsive liar and Zack Braff's love interest rolled all into one, Portman had all eyes on her in this smart drama.
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Closer (2004)
Audiences were captivated by Portman's performance as a stripper (how could they not be?) in this film about a love quadrangle with Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, and Jude Law. Portman received an Oscar nom and a Golden Globe win for her portrayal of Alice Ayres.
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V for Vendetta (2006)
Portman showed that she would do anything to get into character (including shaving her head on screen and perfecting a British accent!) for her role as Evey Hammond, a girl rescued by a freedom fighter in a futuristic totalitarian society.
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The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
While King Henry VIII may not have approved of her character, Portman certainly showed off her dyanmic acting ability as Anne Boleyn in this period piece.
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Black Swan (2010)
The actress secured her spot as Hollywood's top leading lady in this psychological thriller. After intense training and a 20 pound weight loss to prepare for her role as a ballerina, Portman's performance won her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination.
Next gallery:
2011 Academy Awards: Best Picture Nominees