Cate Blanchett is a highly acclaimed Australian actor and producer, widely considered one of the greatest of her time. Known for her versatility, she excels in independent and mainstream films, as well as on stage. Her exceptional talent has earned her prestigious awards, including two Oscars, four BAFTAs, and four Golden Globes. She has also received nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award.
Catherine Élise Blanchett was born in May 1969 in Ivanhoe, Melbourne, Australia.
Catherine Élise Blanchett was born on May 14, 1969, in the Melbourne suburb of Ivanhoe, Australia.
Although the play premiered in 1978, it wasn't until 2011 that Cate Blanchett starred in a new translation of "Groß und klein" ("Big and Small"), originally written by Botho Strauß.
While traveling in Egypt, Cate Blanchett took on a role as an American cheerleader in the Egyptian boxing film "Kaboria" (1990), marking her first acting experience.
Cate Blanchett graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, Australia, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1992.
Cate Blanchett made her stage debut in David Mamet's "Oleanna" opposite Geoffrey Rush for the Sydney Theatre Company. The same year, she impressed audiences as Clytemnestra in Sophocles' "Electra" and later took on the title role, solidifying her reputation as a rising talent.
Cate Blanchett received the Sydney Theatre Critics' Best Newcomer Award for her performance in "Kafka Dances" and Best Actress for her role in "Oleanna" in 1993, becoming the first actor to win both awards in the same year.
Cate Blanchett made her television debut in the miniseries "Heartland", starring opposite Ernie Dingo, in 1994.
Cate Blanchett starred as Ophelia in Neil Armfield's production of "Hamlet", alongside Geoffrey Rush and Richard Roxburgh, for which she received critical acclaim.
Cate Blanchett appeared in the miniseries "Bordertown" alongside Hugo Weaving in 1995.
Cate Blanchett continued her stage work, garnering a Green Room Award nomination for her performance as Ophelia in "Hamlet," which concluded its run in 1995.
Cate Blanchett appeared in the short film "Parklands", which was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Australian Film Institute Awards in 1996.
Cate Blanchett married playwright and screenwriter Andrew Upton on December 29, 1997, after meeting in Australia in the mid-1990s.
Cate Blanchett made her feature film debut in "Paradise Road" and had her first leading role in "Oscar and Lucinda", both released in 1997. Her performance in "Thank God He Met Lizzie", also released that year, earned her the AFI Best Actress Award.
Cate Blanchett made her feature film debut in "Paradise Road" and landed her first leading role in "Oscar and Lucinda" in 1997. She gained recognition and her first AFI Award nomination for "Oscar and Lucinda". Her performance in "Thank God He Met Lizzie", also released in 1997, earned her her first AFI Best Actress Award.
Cate Blanchett garnered international acclaim for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the film "Elizabeth", released in 1998. Her performance earned her her first Academy Award nomination.
In 1998, Cate Blanchett garnered international acclaim for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the historical drama "Elizabeth," directed by Shekhar Kapur.
In 1999, Cate Blanchett showcased her versatility by appearing in various films, including "Bangers," a short film directed by her husband, the Mike Newell comedy "Pushing Tin," and the critically acclaimed "The Talented Mr. Ripley."
In 2001, Cate Blanchett starred as Galadriel in "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" and took on diverse roles in films like "Charlotte Gray," "The Shipping News," and the comedy "Bandits."
Cate Blanchett's role as Galadriel in "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," released in 2001, marked the beginning of her involvement in one of the highest-grossing film trilogies of all time.
Cate Blanchett's longstanding association with the Australian Film Institute began in 2001 when she became an ambassador and patron, a role extending to its academy, the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts.
Cate Blanchett starred in "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring", which was released in 2001 and achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Cate Blanchett was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001 by the Australian government, recognizing her contributions to Australian society.
Cate Blanchett delivered a critically acclaimed performance as a grieving woman in the Tom Tykwer-directed film "Heaven" in 2002.
Cate Blanchett reprised her role as Galadriel in "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," released in 2003, concluding her part in the epic fantasy trilogy.
In 2003, Cate Blanchett reprised her role as Galadriel in "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" and starred in films like "The Missing," "Coffee and Cigarettes," and "Veronica Guerin."
In 2003, Cate Blanchett was photographed by Matt Jones for a photoshoot featured in Movieline's Hollywood Life magazine. One of the images from this shoot would later serve as inspiration for her bronze statue created for the Statues for Equality project.
The final film in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Return of the King," was released in 2003, marking the end of a successful run for the franchise.
Cate Blanchett portrayed a pregnant journalist in Wes Anderson's "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" in 2004.
Cate Blanchett won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Katharine Hepburn in "The Aviator" in 2004.
Cate Blanchett won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Katharine Hepburn in the biographical drama "The Aviator", released in 2004.
In 2004, Cate Blanchett was recognized for her beauty, securing the third position on a list of the most naturally beautiful women of all time, selected by beauty and fashion experts.
Cate Blanchett made a statement at the 77th Academy Awards in 2005, gracing the event in a memorable yellow Valentino gown that would later inspire her wax figure at Madame Tussauds.
Cate Blanchett's foray into the world of beauty endorsements began in 2005 when she became the spokesperson and face of SK-II, Procter & Gamble's luxury skincare brand.
In 2005, Cate Blanchett starred in and co-produced the Australian film "Little Fish," earning critical acclaim for her performance as a former heroin addict.
After residing in Brighton, England, for almost a decade, Cate Blanchett and her family returned to their native Australia in November 2006. This decision stemmed from their desire to establish a permanent home for their children, be closer to family, and reconnect with the Australian theater community.
In 2006, a portrait of Cate Blanchett and her family, painted by McLean Edwards, was selected as a finalist for the prestigious Archibald Prize, Australia's leading portraiture award.
Demonstrating her commitment to environmental activism, Cate Blanchett joined former US Vice-president Al Gore's Climate Project in 2006.
In 2006, Cate Blanchett showcased her acting prowess in films like "Babel," "The Good German," and "Notes on a Scandal," the latter earning her a third Academy Award nomination.
In 2006, Cate Blanchett received Premiere magazine's Icon Award, a testament to her significant impact on the film industry.
Cate Blanchett received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film "Notes on a Scandal", released in 2006.
2007 marked a significant year for Cate Blanchett, receiving two Academy Award nominations for her roles in "I'm Not There" and "Elizabeth: The Golden Age".
Cate Blanchett was named among the "100 Sexiest Movie Stars of All-Time" by Empire magazine in 2007.
In 2007, Cate Blanchett and her family undertook extensive renovations to their Hunters Hill residence in Sydney, prioritizing eco-friendly features.
In 2007, Cate Blanchett was appointed as the ambassador for the Australian Conservation Foundation, further solidifying her role as an advocate for environmental issues.
In 2007, Cate Blanchett was recognized as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People and appeared on Forbes' Celebrity 100 list. She made an uncredited cameo in "Hot Fuzz" and reprised her role as Queen Elizabeth I in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age." Blanchett also received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Jude Quinn in "I'm Not There," earning her numerous awards and a second Academy Award nomination for the same role.
Time magazine recognized Cate Blanchett as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2007.
In July 2008, Cate Blanchett lent her voice to the English language version of Hayao Miyazaki's "Ponyo" as Granmamare. This was also the year she appeared in two major films: "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" as the villainous Col. Dr. Irina Spalko and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" as Daisy Fuller, the love interest of Brad Pitt's character.
2008 proved to be a commercially successful year for Cate Blanchett with the release of two major films, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."
Cate Blanchett and her husband, Andrew Upton, began their tenure as artistic directors of the Sydney Theatre Company in 2008.
Cate Blanchett and her husband, Andrew Upton, took on significant roles as co-CEOs and artistic directors of the Sydney Theatre Company in 2008.
Cate Blanchett's contributions to film were recognized in 2008 with the Santa Barbara International Film Festival's Modern Master Award. The same year, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, further solidifying her legacy in Hollywood.
From 2008 to 2011, Cate Blanchett and her husband, Andrew Upton, spearheaded "Greening the Wharf," a large-scale environmental program at the Sydney Theatre Company, focusing on sustainable practices and earning them a Green Globe Award.
Cate Blanchett returned to the stage in 2009, taking on the iconic role of Blanche DuBois in a Sydney Theatre Company production of Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire," directed by Liv Ullmann and co-starring Joel Edgerton.
In recognition of her significant contribution to Australian entertainment and culture, Cate Blanchett was featured on a series of commemorative postage stamps called Australian Legends in 2009.
Cate Blanchett starred as Lady Marion alongside Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's "Robin Hood" in 2010. Although the film received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success.
Blanchett portrayed a CIA agent in Joe Wright's action thriller "Hanna" in 2011, sharing the screen with Saoirse Ronan and Eric Bana.
Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton's environmental efforts through "Greening the Wharf" were recognized with a Green Globe Award in 2011, celebrating their commitment to sustainability.
Cate Blanchett faced criticism, particularly from conservatives, when she voiced her support for a carbon tax in early 2011.
Cate Blanchett was highly active in theater in 2011, participating in two Sydney Theatre Company productions: a critically acclaimed run of Botho Strauß's "Groß und klein" and Andrew Upton's adaptation of Anton Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya." Both productions toured internationally, earning Blanchett awards and recognition for her performances.
Cate Blanchett showed her comedic side by voicing characters in two episodes of "Family Guy" that aired in April 2012: "Mr. and Mrs. Stewie" and "Family Guy Viewer Mail 2."
Cate Blanchett filmed Terrence Malick's "Song to Song" and "Knight of Cups" back-to-back in 2012. Notably, "Song to Song" wasn't released until 2017.
Cate Blanchett returned to Middle-earth in 2012 with the release of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," reprising her role as Galadriel in the prequel trilogy to "The Lord of the Rings."
Cate Blanchett's dedication to environmental advocacy earned her an honorary life membership from the Australian Conservation Foundation in 2012.
In 2012, "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, in which Cate Blanchett played a pivotal role, was ranked among the top 10 greatest fantasy films of all time by Wired magazine.
In 2012, Cate Blanchett was appointed Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Minister of Culture. This prestigious award recognized her significant contributions to the arts.
The French government honored Cate Blanchett with the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2012, recognizing her significant contributions to the arts.
In 2013, Blanchett took on the role of jury head at the Dubai International Film Festival for the second consecutive year. This year also marked her return to Australian cinema with a role in "The Turning," an anthology film based on Tim Winton's short stories.
Reappearing on the list in 2013, Cate Blanchett again earned a spot on Empire's "100 Sexiest Movie Stars of All-Time".
In 2013, Cate Blanchett shared her concerns about feminism and politics with Sky News, expressing worry over a global surge in conservatism potentially undermining women's societal roles. She also discussed the mounting pressures faced by women in Hollywood, noting the industry's evolving beauty standards and how they impact perceptions of aging actresses.
Cate Blanchett's performance as a troubled former socialite in the comedy-drama "Blue Jasmine" won her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2013.
Cate Blanchett's portrayal of Jasmine Francis in Woody Allen's "Blue Jasmine" in 2013 earned her widespread recognition. Critics lauded her performance as one of her best, surpassing even her previous work in "Elizabeth." Her performance garnered numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the sixth actress to win an Oscar in both leading and supporting acting categories.
Cate Blanchett's association with Giorgio Armani began in 2013 when she became the brand ambassador for their women's fragrances, securing a significant $10 million deal.
Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton concluded their roles as artistic directors of the Sydney Theatre Company in 2013.
In January 2014, Cate Blanchett joined the Green Carpet Challenge, an initiative promoting sustainable fashion, further highlighting her commitment to environmental responsibility.
Cate Blanchett paid tribute to former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam by delivering a speech at his state funeral in 2014.
Cate Blanchett reprised her role as Galadriel in Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" trilogy (2012-2014), a prequel to "The Lord of the Rings." The films achieved substantial box office success, although critical reception wasn't as positive as its predecessor.
Cate Blanchett was honored with Women in Film and Television International's Crystal Award in 2014, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.
Cate Blanchett's final appearance as Galadriel in "The Hobbit" trilogy came in 2014 with the release of "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies."
Further solidifying her presence in the art world, another portrait of Cate Blanchett was chosen as a finalist for the Archibald Prize in 2014.
In 2014, Cate Blanchett starred in "The Monuments Men," a film based on a true story about art recovery during World War II. She also lent her voice to the critically acclaimed animated film "How to Train Your Dragon 2" and made a guest appearance on the Australian show "Rake."
Cate Blanchett co-hosted the 4th AACTA Awards ceremony with Deborah Mailman on January 29, 2015.
As a patron of the new Australian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, Cate Blanchett delivered a speech at its inauguration in the Venice Giardini in May 2015.
Cate Blanchett showed her support for Australian political figures by speaking at the Margaret Whitlam dinner and fundraiser event, hosted by politician Tanya Plibersek, in June 2015.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood unveiled a wax statue of Cate Blanchett in 2015, immortalizing her in the iconic yellow Valentino dress she wore to the 77th Academy Awards in 2005.
In 2015, Cate Blanchett had a prolific year in film, starring in five movies: "Knight of Cups," "Cinderella," "Carol," "Truth," and "Manifesto." This marked a diverse range of roles for Blanchett, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
In 2015, Cate Blanchett and her husband, Andrew Upton, expanded their family by adopting a daughter, fulfilling a long-held wish since the birth of their first son.
In 2015, Blanchett took on the role of Mary Mapes alongside Robert Redford in "Truth," a film based on the Killian documents controversy. Additionally, she delivered a critically acclaimed performance in Julian Rosefeldt's multi-screen video installation "Manifesto."
Cate Blanchett's involvement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) began in 2015, marking the start of her dedicated work supporting refugees worldwide.
Cate Blanchett was honored by the Museum of Modern Art and received the British Film Institute Fellowship in 2015, recognizing her impactful contributions to film.
Cate Blanchett took on the role of the wicked stepmother in Disney's live-action adaptation of "Cinderella," released in 2015.
Cate Blanchett embarked on a mission to Jordan with the UNHCR in 2015, engaging with Syrian refugees and shedding light on their challenges.
Cate Blanchett and her family made the decision to sell their renovated Hunters Hill home in Sydney in 2015.
Blanchett took to the stage in 2015 for the Sydney Theatre Company's production of "The Present," an adaptation of Anton Chekhov's "Platonov." The play, directed by John Crowley, earned critical acclaim.
2015 marked a year of significant accolades for Cate Blanchett. She was celebrated at the Museum of Modern Art's Film Benefit for her contributions to the film industry, received the British Film Institute Fellowship for her exceptional work in film, and was given the AACTA Longford Lyell Award for her profound impact on Australian screen culture.
Cate Blanchett was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in the film "Carol", released in 2015.
Her dedication to the cause led to her appointment as a global Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR in May 2016, amplifying her efforts to support refugees.
Cate Blanchett lent her voice to narrate one of the two versions of Terence Malick's documentary "Voyage of Time" in 2016. The film, exploring Earth and the universe, premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
Following the sale of their Sydney home, Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton acquired a house in Crowborough, East Sussex, in early 2016.
In 2016, Cate Blanchett continued her humanitarian efforts by undertaking a UNHCR mission to Lebanon, where she met with Syrian refugees to understand and highlight their plight.
In recognition of her unwavering dedication to excellence and her appreciation for the artistry of costume design, Cate Blanchett was awarded the Costume Designers Guild Lacoste Spotlight Award in 2016.
Cate Blanchett was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2017 for her eminent service to the performing arts, both nationally and internationally, as well as for her contributions to humanitarian and environmental causes.
In 2017, Cate Blanchett made her Broadway debut when "The Present," in which she starred, transferred from Sydney to New York. She received critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination for her performance.
Cate Blanchett was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2017 by the Queen. This high honor was bestowed upon her for her "eminent service to the performing arts as an international stage and screen actor, through seminal contributions as director of artistic organisations, as a role model for women and young performers, and as a supporter of humanitarian and environmental causes."
Cate Blanchett made her Broadway debut in the play "The Present" in 2017, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play.
Cate Blanchett joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2017, portraying the villainous Hela in "Thor: Ragnarok."
Cate Blanchett joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portraying the villain Hela in the film "Thor: Ragnarok", released in 2017.
In January 2018, Cate Blanchett was honored with the prestigious Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum for her unwavering advocacy for refugees and displaced people worldwide.
Blanchett was chosen to preside over the jury of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May 2018. This appointment highlighted her esteemed position within the film community.
In August 2018, Cate Blanchett delivered a powerful address to the United Nations Security Council, bringing attention to the atrocities faced by the Rohingya people in Myanmar.
In August 2018, Cate Blanchett addressed the United Nations Security Council, raising awareness about the Rohingya refugee crisis and advocating for international action.
In 2018, Cate Blanchett was part of the female-led heist film "Ocean's 8." She also lent her voice to the character of Kaa in Andy Serkis's adaptation of "The Jungle Book," titled "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle."
Further solidifying her partnership with Giorgio Armani, Cate Blanchett was named the company's first-ever global beauty ambassador in 2018. Her role expanded to encompass skincare and makeup, in addition to her existing fragrance responsibilities.
Cate Blanchett was listed among the world's highest-paid actresses in 2018.
Cate Blanchett starred alongside an ensemble cast in the heist comedy "Ocean's 8," released in 2018.
Cate Blanchett starred alongside an ensemble cast in the heist comedy "Ocean's 8", released in 2018.
On August 26, 2019, a bronze statue of Cate Blanchett was unveiled on Avenue of the Americas in New York City as part of the Statues for Equality project, celebrating her contributions to society and promoting gender balance in public art.
Blanchett took on the lead role in "Where'd You Go, Bernadette," a film adaptation of the popular novel, in 2019. That same year, "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle," in which she voiced Kaa, was released on Netflix.
By 2019, Cate Blanchett's impressive filmography had amassed over $9.8 billion at the global box office, a testament to her enduring appeal and the success of her projects.
Cate Blanchett's performance in the 2019 film "Carol" was lauded as one of the best of the decade by IndieWire, with critics praising her nuanced portrayal of a woman navigating societal expectations and repressed emotions.
Cate Blanchett joined other celebrities in May 2020 to read an installment of Roald Dahl's "James and the Giant Peach" to support Partners In Health. The global non-profit, co-founded by Dahl's daughter, Ophelia, was actively combating COVID-19 in vulnerable communities.
Stateless, a poignant Australian miniseries co-created and produced by Cate Blanchett, premiered on Netflix in July 2020. Inspired by her work with the UNHCR, the series explores the lives of four strangers who intersect at an Australian immigration detention center, aiming to foster empathy and understanding for refugees.
In September 2020, Cate Blanchett joined luminaries like Helen Mirren, Eddie Redmayne, and Salman Rushdie in supporting protesting students at the University for Theater and Film Arts (SZFE) in Budapest. The protests opposed changes imposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government, which transferred control of the institution to a private foundation and restructured decision-making processes.
As Jury President of the 77th Venice International Film Festival in September 2020, Cate Blanchett used her platform to advocate for sustainability in the fashion industry, opting to wear outfits she had previously worn to public events.
Cate Blanchett took on the role of Phyllis Schlafly in the FX/Hulu miniseries "Mrs. America" in 2020. Her performance in the critically acclaimed series earned her nominations for Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild awards.
In 2020, Cate Blanchett, deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the arts and concerned about pressing global issues, contributed an essay to "Upturn: A Better Normal After COVID-19." The book explores potential avenues for societal improvement in post-pandemic Australia.
Cate Blanchett's production company, Dirty Films, secured deals with New Republic Pictures and FX Networks in 2020. Additionally, the Australian drama series "Stateless," which she co-created, starred in, and executive produced, premiered on ABC in Australia and internationally on Netflix.
Cate Blanchett received two Emmy Award nominations for her work in the period drama miniseries "Mrs. America", released in 2020, for both her performance as Phyllis Schlafly and as a producer.
Cate Blanchett appeared in the satirical science fiction comedy "Don't Look Up", released in 2021.
In 2021, Blanchett appeared in two films that went on to receive Best Picture nominations at the Academy Awards: Guillermo del Toro's "Nightmare Alley" and Adam McKay's "Don't Look Up." With these nominations, Blanchett set a new record for the female actor with the most acting credits in Best Picture nominees.
Acknowledging her influence and impact in the entertainment industry, Cate Blanchett was included in The Hollywood Reporter's list of "Women in Entertainment Power 100" in 2022.
Cate Blanchett's performance in the film "Tár" earned her another Academy Award nomination in 2022, solidifying her status as the most-nominated Australian actress.
Expanding her portfolio in the fashion world, Cate Blanchett was announced as the new house ambassador for Louis Vuitton in 2022.
In 2022, Cate Blanchett partnered with Danny Kennedy to launch the "Climate of Change" podcast on Audible, sparking conversations about climate change and emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation.
In 2022, Cate Blanchett starred in "Tár" as the fictional conductor Lydia Tár, earning rave reviews and several awards, including her second Volpi Cup for Best Actress. The same year, she voiced Spazzatura in Guillermo del Toro's "Pinocchio".
In 2022, a readers' poll by Empire magazine voted Cate Blanchett as one of the 50 greatest actors of all time, recognizing her versatility and talent.
The Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma honored Cate Blanchett with an Honorary César award in 2022 for her "absolutely remarkable career and personality".
Cate Blanchett and her husband faced controversy in 2023 over the construction of their ecohouse in Cornwall. While intended to be environmentally friendly, the project drew criticism from local residents due to noise complaints and concerns about potential environmental impact.