With Natalie Portman’s Fables, the Academy Award-winning actress, director, producer and activist adds children’s book author to her list of credits. In the book, illustrated by artist Janna Mattia, Portman retells three classic fables and imbues them with empathy, inclusivity, and humor.

During this event, intended for an adult audience, Portman will speak about her motivations and goals for writing the book, her belief in the power of storytelling to change minds, and more in conversation with Eva Longoria, an actress, producer, director, activist, philanthropist, and designer.

The fables include The Tortoise and the Hare, The Three Little Pigs, and Country Mouse and City Mouse. From realizing that there is no “right” way to live to respecting our planet and learning what really makes someone a winner, the messages at the heart of Natalie Portman’s Fables are modern takes on timeless life lessons about hard work, perseverance, hubris, and abundance.

Portman’s credits include Leon: The Professional, Black Swan, Cold Mountain, Closer, V for Vendetta, the Star Wars franchise prequels, A Tale of Love and Darkness, Jackie and the forthcoming Thor: Love and Thunder. Born in Jerusalem, Israel, she is a graduate of Harvard University and lives with her family in Los Angeles.

Best known for her starring role in Desperate Housewives, Longoria started UnbeliEVAble Entertainment to produce purposeful projects that accurately represent the stories of the Latinx and other underrepresented communities. As an activist, she lends her voice to issues ranging from immigration to reproductive rights. Longoria is a founding member of Time’s Up along with Portman and other leading Hollywood women.

Photo Credits: Natalie Portman – Frederic Auerbach; Eva Longoria – Jack Guy