Natalie Portman Steps Out in Santa Monica | Pictures

Natalie Portman was out and about in Santa Monica, CA, yesterday, toting an oversize bag and sporting an all-black look. The actress — who gave birth to her son, Aleph, last July — is back home after shooting in both Texas and London last Fall and Winter. First, Natalie got to work on a new untitled Terrence Malick project that also stars Rooney Mara and Ryan Gosling in Austin, TX. That film likely won't hit theaters until 2014, but fans will get a chance to see Natalie back in action this Summer in Thor: The Dark World. Natalie shot the sequel alongside Chris Hemsworth in London in November.

Natalie's break from the big screen since 2011 hasn't impacted her earning ability or star power. The Black Swan star and Oscar winner landed the top spot on Forbes's list of best actors for the buck, which was released just before the New Year.