Since her first introduction to the world as the character of 12-year-old, out for revenge in “The Professional,” Natalie Portman has been a strong, growing presence in Hollywood. Lately though, Portman seems to have entered an even higher level of success both in her career and personal life.

Real star power was bestowed to the actresses’ name when she took on the character of Padme Amidala in “Star Wars Episode One The Phantom Menace” in 1999 and continued to portray the famous lover of Anakin Skywalker (aka Darth Vadar) for the following two sequels. Her popularity continued to grow as she appeared costarring with other renowned actors in popular films such as “Garden State,” “Cold Mountain,” “V for Vendetta,” “The Other Boelyn Girl,” and “Brothers.”

In 2004 critics everywhere finally recognized her as an award worthy performer as she took on the role of a stripper unlucky at love in “Closer,” costarring Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, and Jude Law. The role won her a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress and an Oscar nomination in the same category.

 2010, however, is proving to be the actress’s most important year. She kicked it off by taking the lead role in the film “Black Swan,” directed by Darren Aronofsky. She takes on the role of Nina, a fragile ballerina desperate for perfection but lacking the genuine passion that will make her a great dancer. Because of this inability, Nina’s mental state begins to deteriorate when she is given the lead role in “Swan Lake” and fails to perform the passionate moves of the Black Swan character. Mila Kunis costars as Lily, another ballerina seemingly plotting to steal Nina’s role and fame. She, along with an overbearing mother and an unrelenting director, only fuel the fire of Nina’s dangerously increasing stress and insanity. Afronofsky takes viewers along Nina’s tragic ride to madness all in the pursuit to tap her inner Black Swan and be what she always wanted to be, perfect.

Rotten Tomatoes raved “Bracingly intense, passionate, and wildly melodramatic, Black Swan glides on Darren Aronofsky’s bold direction — and a bravura performance from Natalie Portman.” Already Portman had won 21 awards for playing the role along with a list of other nominations. One of her most prestigious ones was just recently won at the Golden Globes in which she received the award for Best Actress in a Drama. While it’s not definite, critics everywhere are predicting Portman will be nominated for an Academy Award for the same category and have high chances of winning it.

It doesn’t end at “Black Swan” though. Already, Portman has a series of upcoming movies under her belt. “No Strings Attached,” costarring Ashton Kutcher was released on Jan. 21, a movie delving into the idea of friends with benefits. In April “Your Highness,” will reach theaters, a medieval movie about two princes (James Franco and Danny McBride) going on a quest to rescue Franco’s bride. Portman, however, isn’t the damsel in distress but actually a warrior princess who accompanies the two in their mission. May brings in Marvel’s next big thing, “Thor,” with Chris Hemsworth as the hero and Portman as his love interest.

In “Hesher,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as a ruffian with no limits who makes an odd friendship with a young boy, the same boy who is shown some compassion from a shy-yet-kind Portman in his difficult life. Then there’s “The Other Woman,” where she plays the mistress of Scott Cohen who eventually leaves his wife, played by Lisa Kudrow, and marries her. Things get more complicated when the couple’s first child dies in infancy and Portman must deal with this grief on top of trying to connect with her new stepson. Both movies release dates are undetermined.

One’s career is not the only field in their life they can have success in. The actress recently revealed to the press that she was engaged…and pregnant. “I have always kept my private life private but I will say that I am indescribably happy and feel very grateful to have this experience.” Portman said to Ew.com

Her fiancé is Benjamin Millepied, a professional ballet dancer who was brought on to “Black Swan” to perform a minor role and help in chorography. Since then the two have made such a strong relationship that marriage and a child are now close in the future. The pregnancy is expected to occur in the Spring.