Natalie Portman is all about hiring based on talent, but she says that biases can often get in the way of that.
An inclusion rider is a provision in a filmmaker or actor’s contract to guarantee a certain level of diversity among cast and crew. Those against inclusion riders would argue those most talented and qualified for a role should be hired for the said role, regardless of their gender or ethnicity.
RELATED: Natalie Portman On Being Sexualized As A Child Star
“There is resistance because I think a lot of people are making the argument that you’re hiring someone for their talent, not for their gender,” Portman argues when speaking to Deadline. “It goes to show that we have so much bias in not recognizing talent and allowing it to express itself.”
“Of course, no one wants to get a job because of their marginalization, you want to get the job because of your talent,” she continues. “But there are so many who don’t get the opportunity since they are marginalized, and there are those who actually appreciate others’ values, talent, and voices.”
RELATED: Natalie Portman Opens Up About Being A Champion Of Time’s Up
Portman, 37, has been a vocal proponent for equal representation of women and marginalized groups in Hollywood.
The Oscar-winning actress will next appear in the drama “Lucy in the Sky” opposite Jon Hamm, Zazie Beatz, and Dan Stevens.
