In town for the annual film festival, Natalie Portman was spotted arriving by boat to Venice, Italy on Sunday (August 31).

The 27-year-old "My Blueberry Nights" actress is ready to make her directorial debut in a short film called "Eve", which is being screened at the festival this week.

To go along with the movie premiere, Miss Portman was also just named the winner of a "humanity award" for social commitment as part of the Venice Film Festival.

According to AP reports, "Those behind the award said Portman was seriously involved with important social and environmental programs. They include the Tacare Girl's Scholarship Program of the Jane Goodall Institute, a non-profit organization that carries out wildlife research in Tanzania."

Natalie's prize is $50,000 dollars and a trophy - with organizers telling that the cash she receives is being donated to the program.

Gossip Girls

Enjoy the pictures of Natalie Portman at the Cinema Diamond award ceremony and arriving in Venice (August 31).