There’s nothing like an economic downturn to really get the creative juices flowing. “Obscene hip-hop lover” Natalie Portman has pointed out a silver lining in the financial crisis that has left millions jobless, foreclosed, and leaving hand to mouth — people are being more creative.

“I think it’s an exciting time. I mean everyone is cutting back,” Natalie says. “All of a sudden, people are not making as much money as they thought they would or they’ve lost their jobs entirely. I’ve started to see people looking more toward their own passions and what really excites them.”