Born in Israel as Natalie Hershlag, the “spoiled only child in a Jewish family”, Miss Portman moved to the States when she was three and since finding fame has been described as cold, bookish and nerdy. And, we’ll be honest, that occasional lesbic hair-do doesn’t help.

And yet beyond the brains – she left Harvard in 2003 with a degree in psychology – is a gorgeously impish actress who really knows her craft, and manages to look as good in second-hand Boho wear as she does in an Oscar gown. There’s a big heart, too – Natalie Portman is active in a very big way with an organisation called Finca, which helps fund businesswomen in developing countries.

Hit the big time in cult assassin flick Leon, then bagged the role of Queen Amidala in Star Wars.

Stripped nude for arty 10 minute flick Hotel Chevalier.

Played a seductive pink-haired stripper in Closer, for which she was nominated for an Oscar.