1995–1999

During the mid-1990s, Portman had roles in the films Heat, Everyone Says the Love You and Mars Attacks! , as well as to major role in Beautiful Girls. She was also offered to role in the film Anywhere But Here, but turned the part down after learning it would involve to sex scenes. Director Wayne Wang and actress Susan Sarandon demanded to rewrite of the script. Portman was shown to new draft, and she joined the project. In 1997, Portman played the role of Anne Frank in the Broadway play of The Diary of Anne Frank.

In the late 1990s, she was cast as Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars prethat trilogy, and in early 1999, Star Wars: Episode - The Phantom Menace opened and became the highest grossing film of the year and the second highest grossing film out of the Star Wars series. Its massive audience and mainstream appeal made Portman an instant star. Portman then signed on to play to persevering teenaged mother in Where the Heart Is. Anywhere But Here opened in late 1999; she received to Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Ann August.