NATALIE PORTMAN will receive the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s International Star Award for her performance in “Jackie,” it was announced Wednesday.

    Mary Hart will host the annual awards gala, to be held Jan. 2 at the Palm Springs Convention Center; other honorees include Nicole Kidman and Tom Hanks.

    Directed by Pablo Larrain, the Fox Searchlight historical drama takes place in the days after the assassination of president John F. Kennedy, focusing on Theodore H. White’s “Life” magazine interview with the widow at Hyannis Port, Mass. The film also stars Billy Crudup, Greta Gerwig, Max Casella, Peter Sarsgaard and John Hurt.

    “Natalie Portman truly brings to life one of this country’s most treasured public figures in the acclaimed new film ‘Jackie,’” said festival chairman Harold Matzner. “Portman delivers a transformative and deeply human portrayal of the former first lady following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, one of the most challenging moments in our nation’s history.”

    The 28th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival is set to run Jan. 2-16.(SD-Agencies)