Natalie Portman & Paul Mescal | Actors on Actors 

Whoever is responsible for pairing up these amazing actors definitely knows their work and deserve a raise.

You can tell Paul Mescal is just in complete awe to be hearing such praise from the iconic Natalie Portman. He looks like a deer in headlights at certain points of this interview. He is so humble, and still doesn't seem to grasp how talented he is. I would love to see them in a project together. Such a cool pairing.

How humble is Natalie?!? He pays her the most wonderful compliment and all she can do is rave about him in return. They feel like equals here despite her decades of experience and that’s because she made him feel comfortable to be vulnerable with her despite being a big fan of hers.

Natalie is a funny, beautiful, kind, humble and very intelligent person. It is always a pleasure to listen to her.

Paul Mescal is on an insane career path. Aftersun was easily the best film of 2022 and Mescal should've won. I doubt he'll ever turn in a bad performance, so he's got many awards coming up in the coming years

A serious promotion is needed for the people who are coming up with these Actors on Actors pairings

Paul Mescal has such soothing energy, can't explain it. Seems like such a decent bloke.

i’m simple: i see paul mescal, i click.

Paul Mescal is a versatile actor of the generation. He's doing well in his latest film and he's such a wonderful person to watch in any independent films like ‘Aftersun’ and ‘All Of Us Strangers’.

They’re both so attractive im going crazy

Every time she pays Paul Mescal a compliment - the raw innocence of just how quietly delighted his wee face looks is exquisite 🌟

Paul is the most emotionally intelligent, sensitive man. It’s a wonder to listen to him speak, both his humility and kindness shine through.

I wish they talked about Normal People more. It is probably one of the most amazing performances, if not the most amazing, I've seen portrayed between two people. Really changed my view about what the art of acting is. I know this interview is used as a way to promote their movies, but I would've loved to hear Natalie's takes on his performance of Connell and chemistry with Daisy Edgar-Jones.

Paul sounds so nervous but at same time it's his nervousness that makes him so normal so genuine . Natalie is just a pure natural soul that oozes realism in an overly fake Hollywood world.

Two of the kindest souls and people who you wouldn't know are movie stars talking to them on the street. Tremendous pairing

I literally blushed second-handedly when she complimented him

Variety is becoming very good at variances and bringing variations. Love this duo in "actors on actors".

whoever paired these two together deserve a significant raise

Paul Mescal in normal people was stunning, aftersun was brilliant but all of us strangers left me stunned!! I love the combo of these 2 ✨🎭

Natalie is a legend. She was so fricking good in May December.

Absolutely was not expecting Natalie to drop the roman empire meme 😂

Always loved Natalie's voice! She has this amazing unic mother voice! Like the kind of voice you want to give you an advice or the kind of voice you you will always listen to when she talks! 🖤

Paul’s talent and his filmography speak for themselves but it has to be so validating sitting in front of one of the greatest dramatic actors to ever do it and being thoughtfully praised for your performances. We’re lucky as an audience to see them as actors but also as genuine people who seem to appreciate the great parts of their art.

I remember 1996. It wasn't yesterday, but it wasn't long ago. Paul Mescal was born then...but he's been "here" much longer than that. Fascinating old soul.

Paul is literally the best actor of our generation. Without even a single doubt. He’s amazing!

Paul Mescal is just something else. Incredible actor ❤

Black Swan is one of the best performances ever on film. I fell in love with her in Leon - she was a child! Paul is a raw talent. Such a great pairing.

Paul is one of those rare, once in a generation talents. Normal People was beautiful, crushing and ultimately so real it hurt. Aftersun stayed with me for a long time as well. I want to see everything he's done and I'm so excited for his future.

Oh my God this is crazy we need this pair in a movie and also so much respect and admiration for both of them.

Natalie is an absolute treasure.

I met Natalie at a screening of ‘May/December’. I was outside and so were a bunch of graphers so they were like ‘Julianne is cool but natalie can be a biotch’ and natalie arrived and she was really nice and my name is natalie so I introduced myself and I was like ‘hi I’m Natalie’ and she was like ‘it’s a good name’ and we both laughed and took a picture. It was sweet and funny.

She’s being so generous and kind to him. Two great actors but she gives this younger actor space and he is just in awe of her. Great to see. Love the Actors on Actors series.

Never been so early for a video in my life! I'm SEATED for Natalie Portman 🎉❤

All of the entries in this year's series have been fascinating pairings so far -- this one might be the most engaging one yet. Makes me want to see Ms. Portman and Mr. Mescal do a project together, sooner rather than later. Their mutual appreciation and regard is as self-evident as their talent in their respective films. Really enjoyable conversation. Thanks, Variety.

I'm so glad he brought up the "this is just what grownups do" line because whew what a gut punch of a line

I have watched Normal People five or six times …it’s such an incredible duet between both of the lead actors. He’s a very special actor indeed

How beautiful and smart this people are, wow.

I truly don't want to be shallow right now but wow Paul is such an attractive, beautiful man.

Im just amazed on how much work and ethic Natalie has. You can see how much efforts she puts in her characters like that kind on things are the ones that make me feel so in love with films.

I just need to sit one on one with Paul. We don’t even have to talk. I just wanna be in his presence

I love Natalie so much!! She seems so genuine and kind

This is one of those conversations I love to listen to, it goes for people who act and lawyers. I watch a lot of actors and actresses getting interviewed and right away I can instantly tell why someone loves playing a character . I'm interested in the people who give off real vibes playing characters.

Love this pairing SO much!!!

Normal People is one of the most beautiful shows I've seen... and Leon is my favorite movie

How can this woman become more beautiful every single year? She’s ridiculously gorgeous what tha heck :O

Brilliant. Genuine. Magnificient actors and conversation.

Yeeess the pairing Ive been waiting for!!

The combo I didn't know I needed. Natalie is so beautiful and articulate in her words and Paul is so talented, humble, and handsome. Ugh. Can't get enough.

Really admire these two actors never thought to see them together so I’m excited to watch this! Props to the person who’s been pairing up the recent actors!

They are so magnetic I love the respect they have for each other's work

I still tear up watching Aftersun. Loved Paul and Frankie's chemistry.

this is the blessing i needed

I just love them both so much as actors. I feel like we have witnessed them both grow up. It’s so beautiful.

what an amazing pairing, loved every second of this!

Portman + Mescal = 💕 well done, Variety!

What an absolute joy to watch these two intelligent and extremely talented actors. I admire them both tremendously, and this conversation just goes to show how hard they work and what they take from it. Well done.

Wonderful chat. Paul deserves an Oscar nom for the role on AOUS ❤

His eyes are so soo blue!!!❤

does anyone feel chemistry or am i completely wrong & they’re just in awe of each other

My favorite pair in this season !!! I was so exited seeing and hearing them , both are extraordinary actor , for me this is cinema , big fan , gotta love them so proud to see Paul mescal now in the same room whith Natalie freakin Portman!!!!

This is such a wonderful watch with both these individuals.

Thank you so much variety for this interview. It was amazing! Loved those two together

Paul Mescal is talented, beautiful, stylish, hot, and seems to be a nice person as well 🔥❤️

What an amazing pairing and I've been so enthralled listeing to the both of them! Just becoming familiar with Paul Mescal and what a lovely, smart and talented guy! Been a fan of Natalie's work for years and years and can never get over what a grounded, kind and humble person she remains. Thanks for pairing these two intelligent, thoughtful and trruly talented actors!

so fun to watch and listen to. love this

no words... i love paul

They both are unbelievably talented and charming and beautiful and other objectives I don't remember. This talk is very inspiring and interesting, this magic that brings the movie to life may look like glamour and fun for money but it's a huge work with things I can't imagine. Thanks for this interview. It's always a pleasure to see these people!

I adore both of them! It's like heaven for me to listen to them speak for 40 minutes. It's so soothing and relaxing. Would be nice in the future to see them working together in a movie or a serie.

Absolutely wonderful and intelligent conversation

This is a beautiful discussion, I love them both. Cast them opposite of one another in a movie right now! Now!

Normal People, Aftersun and now this film. Paul is a piece of art.

My of my favorite people, love this so much!

OMG, their chemistry is just incredible ☺️

i loved Paul mescal’s acting in normal people. That Series ripped my heart out in the best way possible. The scene where he’s opening up to his therapist - i was floored. He is definitely a new generation actor. This type of guy/actor wasn’t around 10-20 years ago. Not that older generations are or were less great. There has just been a clear cultural change/shift. His work is on my bucket list.

this was such a delicious conversation

I expected Natalie to be well-spoken and articulate as she’s a known educated intellectual, but surprised that Paul is just as so, and was able to enrich the space with interesting points. Paul is the same age as me but seems wise beyond his years! Great conversation.

I need to see All of Us Strangers deeply, in my bones. It’s so hard to find near me 😭

I’ve been waiting for this one since the rollout started! ❤

me gusta mucho la entrevista, paul y natalie son Increíbles juntos

Natalie... omg what an ACTRESS, hope she win's the Oscar.

What an amazing discussion by two intelligent, lovely people. I’ve grown up with Natalie Portman, and she is amazing. And Paul Mescal is an absolute revelation. His last two films affected me in the most unforgettable way. When you still feel a film days after you’ve watched it, it’s the sign of something trully special. I finished watching Normal People a couple of days ago. Again, left speechless by his performance. I can only stand back and be in awe. So lucky to be alive to experience this.

Beautiful dialogue. Thank you.

Many thanks to Natalie, Paul and Variety! 💎 I love hearing that Natalie loved Paul's performance in NORMAL PEOPLE (2020), as did I.

Natalie just never ages! She's awesome

I love Natalie Portman so much, she's a legend, she's the best actress of all time, she's the perfect queen and goddess 💖✨🤩🥰

I keep saying this y’all : Natalie is our modern Audrey Hepburn . Her face , her style , her class. Years from now she will definitely be in Hollywood history , an icon

Natalie has been my favourite actress for a while and Paul became my favourite actor after watching Aftersun. I love that both are so authentic human beings which ultimately translates on amazing performers. I'd adore to see them play as a couple on a future film. #fingerscorssed 🤞

so unbelievably excited for paul in gladiator

As a flaming bisexual, I'm having heart palpitations rn *-*

Can we get a movie with these two please 🙏🏽 both Uber talented and beautiful!

I love both of these two beautiful people so very much! They’re both such tremendously talented actors; they both have done so many wonderful roles. I would LOVE to see them in a movie together. I hope they can find a good project to work together on in the future!

I love them so much

Love these two.

Loved this one!! Want to see them in a movie together ❤️

i meean we should more talk about how sweet natalie is!! love her soo much

I think one of my top favorite movies is VOX LUX and I can't believe Natalie didn't get the recognition for it.

What couple of excellent kind listening people these two are

NATALIE IS SO HUMBLE!

every time i think the actors on actors videos are over another one drops

Variety going CRAZY lately