A Conversation With Natalie Portman Added To AFI Fest 2018 Presented By Audi

The American Film Institute (AFI) announced a Conversation with Natalie Portman has been added to AFI FEST 2018 presented by Audi. Honoring the actor’s career, the Conversation will take place Friday, November 9, at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

The conversation following a previously announced Special Screening of VOX LUX, in which she stars. 

In VOX LUX, director/writer Brady Corbet's assured and razor-edged second feature, Natalie Portman stars as Celeste, a jaded pop star who as a teen survived a Staten Island school shooting. Now, when Celeste's most popular music video is the inspiration for another mass shooting, she must contend with the link between her past and present. Also starring Jennifer Ehle, Jude Law, Stacy Martin and Raffey Cassidy, the film will be released theatrically by Neon on December 7, 2018.


AFI Fest 2018 Presented By Audi Special Screenings, Cinema's Legacy and Midnight Lineups Announced

Actor, director, producer and screenwriter Natalie Portman received a Best Actress Academy Award® for BLACK SWAN (2010), as well as Oscar® nominations for JACKIE (2016) and CLOSER (2004). Additional credits include LÉON: THE PROFESSIONAL (1994), BEAUTIFUL GIRLS (1996), STAR WARS: EPISODE I – THE PHANTOM MENACE (1999), GARDEN STATE (2004), V FOR VENDETTA (2005), THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL (2008), THOR (2011), KNIGHT OF CUPS (2015) and ANNIHILATION (2018). She made her feature directorial debut in 2015, directing, writing and starring in A TALE OF LOVE AND DARKNESS.

Dates and times for all AFI FEST screenings are now available at AFI.com/AFIFEST.

As Previously Announced

AFI FEST takes place November 8–15, 2018, in the heart of Hollywood.  Screenings, Galas and other events will be held at the TCL Chinese Theatre, the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and The Hollywood Roosevelt. 

The Opening Night Gala will be the World Premiere of ON THE BASIS OF SEX (directed by AFI Conservatory alumna Mimi Leder) and the Closing Night Gala will be the World Premiere of MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (directed by Josie Rourke).  Visit AFI.com/AFIFEST to view the entirety of this year’s previously announced programming.

AFI FEST will once again bring the best in global cinema to Los Angeles thanks to the visionary support of Audi — now in its 15th consecutive year as Presenting Sponsor of the festival.  Audi was born with a vision of boldly challenging the status quo and is bound by a promise to imaginatively innovate.  That same progressive spirit drives Audi's iconic partnership with the American Film Institute.

Audi has collaborated with AFI to celebrate the history of the motion picture, honoring filmmakers and their work and educating the next generation of storytellers.  Inspired by a commitment to drive progress, Audi joined forces with AFI to expand the alliance by creating the Audi Fellowship for Women, which supports one female director for her entire two-year AFI Conservatory enrollment. The next Audi Fellow will be announced in 2019.

Audi is the exclusive presenting sponsor of AFI FEST 2018.  Additional top sponsors include AT&T and American Airlines, the official airline of AFI.

Go to AFI.com/AFIFEST now to purchase Patron Packages, which can include access to Galas and other high-demand films and events. A limited number of individual tickets will be available free of charge on AFI.com/AFIFEST beginning October 30.

About the American Film Institute

The American Film Institute was established by presidential proclamation in the White House Rose Garden, and launched its national mandate on June 5, 1967 — to preserve the heritage of the motion picture, to honor the artists and their work and to educate the next generation of storytellers.  AFI's founding Trustees included Chairman Gregory Peck, Vice Chairman Sidney Poitier, Francis Ford Coppola, Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., Jack Valenti and George Stevens, Jr., as Director.

For more information about AFI, visit AFI.com or connect with AFI at twitter.com/AmericanFilmfacebook.com/AmericanFilmInstitute and youtube.com/AFI.

About AFI FEST presented by Audi 
A program of the American Film Institute, AFI FEST presented by Audi is a celebration of global cinema and today's Hollywood — a showcase for the best festival films of the year and an opportunity for master filmmakers and emerging artists to come together with audiences in the movie capital of the world. Celebrating its 32nd edition, AFI FEST is the only festival of its stature that is free to the public.


AFI Fest 2018 Presented By Audi Announces World Cinema Lineup

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI FEST as a qualifying festival for both Short Film categories for the annual Academy Awards®. This year's edition takes place November 8–15, 2018. Additional information about AFI FEST is available at AFI.com/AFIFEST. Connect with AFI FEST at facebook.com/AFIFESTtwitter.com/AFIFEST and youtube.com/AFI.

About Audi 
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands, delivering about 1.878 million vehicles globally in 2017. In the U.S., Audi of America sold nearly 227,000 vehicles in 2017 and broke all-time company sales records for the eighth straight year. Visit audiusa.com or media.audiusa.com for more information regarding Audi vehicles and business topics.

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