Cate Blanchett, the Oscar-winning Australian actor, just completed her latest starring role—and dropped this bombshell on the world: She’s “not joking” about quitting acting. Blanchett had already experienced a lauded career at 55 years old, filled with large accomplishments and performances that commanded attention. As she promotes her latest film, “Black Bag,” at the 95th Academy Awards in Hollywood, she reflects on her journey and the complexities of her status within the industry.
Blanchett’s artistic roots run deep in the Australian stage, where she first launched her professional career. In 1993, she originated the role opposite Geoffrey Rush of Australian Mamet’s “Oleanna.” This production revealed how courageous she was as she fearlessly called out her former teacher for sexual misconduct. This instant would become the jumping off point of her early career and cement her further as an intriguing and audacious performer.
It was in 1999 that she got her big break. She took home a BAFTA for her breathtaking performance as Elizabeth I in Shekar Kapur’s “Elizabeth.” Since then, she has continued to ascend to become one of Hollywood’s most trusted and valuable power players. She happens to have won two Academy Awards – best actress for “Blue Jasmine” in 2014 and best supporting actress for “The Aviator” in 2005. Blanchett’s work has garnered her critical acclaim at the Venice Film Festival, where she won best actress awards for “I’m Not There” (2007) and “Tár” (2022).
Recent Projects and Contributions
With the Sydney Theatre Company, Blanchett mesmerized audiences with her stage performances in Caryl Churchill’s “Top Girls” and Timothy Daly’s “Kafka Dances.” Most recently, she found another type of challenge, making her lead debut in the Steven Soderbergh helmed “Black Bag.” This thriller revolves around married spies who navigate their personal and professional lives while working at the Secret Intelligence Service in London. The film showcases Blanchett’s versatility in tackling complex roles, further solidifying her status as an industry leader.
Yet for all of these successes, Blanchett sees herself as an outsider in Hollywood. So should it be surprising that in her art career she has often felt like a peripheral player?
“I’ve always felt like I’m on the periphery of things, so I’m always surprised when I belong anywhere.” – Cate Blanchett
Her family can hardly keep a straight face when she brings up this feeling, a good-natured recognition of how unusual it is to have such a point of view. Blanchett doesn’t go into new spaces with an agenda, but with openness and wonder.
“I go with curiosity into whatever environment that I’m in, not expecting to be accepted or welcomed.” – Cate Blanchett
Looking Ahead
As Blanchett contemplates her future in the industry, fans and colleagues alike remain curious about what direction she may take next. Her announcement that she is taking a break from acting will likely surprise everyone. To many, they now view her as the unstoppable force in the Hollywood establishment.
Despite this, her influence on film and theater is inarguable. She continues to open doors for young, multifaceted artists to feel empowered to assert their identity while holding the industry accountable for its old practices. Whether or not she chooses to step away from acting, Cate Blanchett’s legacy continues to resonate through her work and advocacy.
