Jewish actress, director and social activist Natalie Portman is the winner of the 2018 Genesis Prize, the Genesis Prize Foundation announced on Tuesday.
The annual $1 million award, dubbed “the Jewish Nobel” by Time Magazine, honors extraordinary individuals who serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Jews through their outstanding professional achievement, commitment to Jewish values and to the Jewish people.
The prize selection committee, headed by Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky, acknowledged Portman as a globally-acclaimed actress and director.
She began her acting career at the age of 12 and has since achieved recognition and praise from audiences around across the world. She has won multiple prestigious awards, including an Academy Award (Oscar), two Golden Globe Awards, a British Academy of Film and Television Award, as well as other industry honors.
Portman also is noted for her social activism in such areas as gender equality, combating poverty, microfinance and animal rights.
Portman was born in Israel and although she moved to the US as a child, she maintained a strong connection to her native country as well as to her Jewish heritage.
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