Hollywood star Natalie Portman missed the Oscars ceremony after giving birth to her second child last week.

The 35-year-old actress and husband Benjamin Millepied welcomed daughter Amalia on 22 February, her publicist confirmed.

The Black Swan star, who keeps a low public profile, has said she would not be attending the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday, where she was nominated in the lead actress category for her performance in Jackie.

A statement from her publicist said: "Natalie Portman and her husband Benjamin Millepied welcomed a baby girl, Amalia Millepied, on Feb 22.

"Mother and baby are happy and healthy."


Mr Millepied, 39, is a dancer and choreographer who worked on the film Black Swan. He is also the founder and director of LA Dance Project, a contemporary dance company that works with emerging and established artists.

The couple have a five-year-old son, Aleph. They were married in California in 2012.

Portman had been an early favourite for the best actress Oscar for her performance as former US first lady Jacqueline Kennedy, but lost out to La La Land star Emma Stone.