At Oscars 2020, the only thing more highly anticipated than the awards was the fashion on the red carpet. But while designer wear abounded, Natalie Portman stood out with an unforgettable choice in attire: Her Dior cape was embroidered with the names of the snubbed women directors in the best director category.

Like all the best forms of fashion, Natalie's look made a bold statement beyond just the dress. The black-and-gold Dior cape has a trail of names sewn into the material. Some of the directors named are: Greta Gerwig (Little Women), Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Lorene Scafaria (Hustlers), Alma Har'el (Honey Boy), and more. When she was asked about the attire on the carpet, Natalie explained, “I wanted to recognize the women who were not recognized for their incredible work in my subtle way."

Subtle or not, Natalie’s decision to honor the directors rings important and true. This year’s Academy Awards marked another year in which female directors were ignored, despite the positive critical reviews of their work. Little Women premiered to overwhelming fanfare, The Farewell won the Independent Spirit Award for best feature just yesterday, Honey Boy was emotionally gripping and powerful, and Hustlers brought much-needed representation to sex workers. It’s been an incredible year for women in Hollywood and the visions they brought to life, only for them to be ignored (once again) by the gatekeepers.

It’s a sad time in entertainment when a garment on the red carpet acknowledges women in Hollywood more than the industry itself. Fortunately, there are advocates like Natalie who will use their voices (ahem, her moment at the 2018 Golden Globes) — as well as their attire — to champion them. And as always, there’s the hope that the Academy will do better next year.

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