Cate Blanchett’s Career: From ‘Paradise Road’ to ‘Black Bag’

Cate Blanchett began her career on the Australian stage, where she gained significant acclaim for her theatrical work. After making a successful transition to film in her home country, she quickly captured the attention of international audiences. Her powerful performances in her initial roles demonstrated a remarkable range and a commanding screen presence that would become her signature. From historical dramas to contemporary thrillers, her early filmography laid the groundwork for a celebrated and diverse career.

It was not long before Blanchett established herself as one of the most respected actors of her generation. Her breakthrough role as a famous English monarch earned her global recognition and the first of many Academy Award nominations. Throughout her career, she has seamlessly moved between blockbuster franchises and character-driven independent films, earning numerous accolades, including two Oscars. She consistently chooses complex and challenging roles, cementing her reputation as a versatile and fearless performer.

‘Paradise Road’ (1997)

This historical drama tells the true story of a group of women from different countries who are imprisoned in a Japanese concentration camp during World War II. Blanchett plays Susan Macarthy, an Australian nurse who, along with the other women, forms a vocal orchestra to keep their spirits alive amidst the brutal conditions of their captivity.

The film is an ensemble piece that focuses on the resilience and solidarity of the female prisoners. Blanchett’s role as one of the courageous nurses was one of her first major international film appearances. Her performance contributed to the powerful and moving depiction of survival and the importance of art in the face of immense hardship.

‘Thank God He Met Lizzie’ (1997)

In this Australian romantic comedy, Blanchett plays the title character, Lizzie. The film’s story is told in a non-linear style, cutting between a man’s wedding day with his new bride, Lizzie, and flashbacks of his previous long-term relationship with another woman.

The movie explores themes of love, memory, and the choices that lead people to their partners. Blanchett’s portrayal of Lizzie is witty and charming, representing the stable and promising future that the protagonist has chosen. The role showcased her ability to handle lighter, more comedic material early in her career.

‘Oscar and Lucinda’ (1997)

Based on the novel by Peter Carey, this period drama stars Blanchett as Lucinda Leplastrier, a headstrong and unconventional Australian heiress with a passion for glass and gambling. She forms a deep and unusual bond with an Anglican priest, Oscar, who shares her love for taking risks. Together, they make a wager to build and transport a glass church into the Australian outback.

Blanchett’s performance as the fiercely independent Lucinda earned her widespread critical acclaim in Australia and abroad. She perfectly captured the character’s intelligence, vulnerability, and rebellious spirit. The role was a significant leading part that showcased her immense talent and set the stage for her international breakthrough.

‘Elizabeth’ (1998)

This historical drama was the film that launched Blanchett to international stardom. She plays the title role of Queen Elizabeth I, chronicling her early years on the throne of England. The film follows the young queen as she navigates political intrigue, assassination plots, and personal betrayals to secure her power and become the formidable “Virgin Queen.”

For her transformative performance, Blanchett received her first Academy Award nomination and won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award. She was praised for capturing the queen’s evolution from a vulnerable young woman to a powerful and ruthless monarch. The role cemented her status as a leading actress and remains one of her most iconic performances.

‘An Ideal Husband’ (1999)

In this film adaptation of the Oscar Wilde play, Blanchett plays Lady Gertrude Chiltern. She is the principled and morally upright wife of a respected politician whose career and marriage are threatened when a former acquaintance arrives with a dark secret from his past.

The film is a witty and sophisticated comedy of manners with a strong ensemble cast. Blanchett’s character represents the strict moral code of Victorian society, and her journey involves learning to balance her ideals with love and forgiveness. The role demonstrated her skill with period dialogue and sophisticated comedy.

‘Pushing Tin’ (1999)

This comedy-drama centers on the high-pressure lives of air traffic controllers in New York. The story follows the rivalry between a hotshot veteran controller and a quiet, Zen-master-like newcomer. Blanchett plays Connie Falzone, the unhappy wife of the veteran controller, who becomes intrigued by the new man in town.

Blanchett adopted a New Jersey accent and a completely different persona for the role. She portrayed Connie as a woman searching for excitement and emotional connection outside of her strained marriage. The part was another example of her versatility, allowing her to play a contemporary American character in a dark comedy.

‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ (1999)

In this psychological thriller, Blanchett plays Meredith Logue, a wealthy and charming American heiress traveling through Europe. She has a chance encounter with the film’s title character, a con artist who is pretending to be someone else. Meredith becomes an unwitting complication in his web of lies and deceit.

Although a supporting role, Blanchett’s performance is memorable and crucial to the film’s suspense. Her character’s presence represents a constant threat of exposure to the protagonist’s fraudulent identity. She brought an effortless elegance and warmth to the part, which stood in stark contrast to the film’s dark, unfolding events.

‘The Gift’ (2000)

This supernatural thriller stars Blanchett as Annie Wilson, a widowed mother of three in a small Southern town who has extrasensory perception. She makes a modest living by giving psychic readings to her neighbors. When a local socialite goes missing, Annie has visions of her murder and becomes entangled in the police investigation.

Blanchett’s performance is the emotional anchor of the film. She portrays Annie’s psychic abilities as both a burden and a responsibility, and her character faces skepticism and threats from the community. The role was a powerful leading turn in a suspenseful, character-driven story.

‘The Man Who Cried’ (2000)

Set in the years leading up to World War II, this drama follows a young Jewish woman who flees persecution in Russia and ends up in Paris. There, she becomes a showgirl and befriends a fellow dancer named Lola, played by Blanchett. Lola is a materialistic and ambitious woman who is also trying to survive in a turbulent world.

As the opportunistic Lola, Blanchett played a character who is a foil to the more innocent protagonist. Her character is a pragmatic survivor who uses her charm to get ahead. The role was a supporting part in a historical drama that explored themes of displacement, love, and identity against the backdrop of rising fascism.

‘The Shipping News’ (2001)

In this drama based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Blanchett plays Petal Quoyle, the seductive and reckless wife of the film’s protagonist. Her character’s selfish and destructive behavior sets the story in motion. After she dies in a car accident, her grieving husband moves with their daughter to his ancestral home in Newfoundland to start a new life.

Blanchett’s role is primarily seen in flashbacks, but her performance is pivotal to the main character’s journey of healing and self-discovery. She portrays Petal as a captivating but deeply troubled woman whose memory haunts her husband long after she is gone. The small but impactful role demonstrated her ability to create a powerful impression with limited screen time.

‘Charlotte Gray’ (2001)

This World War II drama features Blanchett in the title role. She plays a Scottish woman who travels to London after her airman boyfriend goes missing in action over France. She is recruited as an agent for the Special Operations Executive and is sent into Nazi-occupied France to work with the French Resistance, all while secretly hoping to find her lost love.

As Charlotte Gray, Blanchett portrayed a woman of immense courage and conviction. The role required her to convey both the emotional turmoil of her personal search and the intense pressure of her dangerous espionage work. The film is a sweeping war romance and thriller carried by her strong central performance.

‘Bandits’ (2001)

In this crime comedy, Blanchett plays Kate Wheeler, a disillusioned housewife who is unhappy in her marriage. She ends up being “kidnapped” by a pair of charming bank robbers known as the “Sleepover Bandits” because they hold bank managers hostage overnight. Kate soon finds herself becoming a willing accomplice and falls for both men.

Blanchett’s comedic performance was highly praised and earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She fully embraced the quirky and unpredictable nature of her character, who finds liberation and excitement in her new life of crime. The role showcased her exceptional comedic timing and her ability to be both funny and emotionally compelling.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’ (2001)

Blanchett first appeared as Galadriel, the powerful and ancient royal Elf, in the first installment of this epic fantasy trilogy. As the bearer of one of the Three Elven Rings of Power, she provides guidance and shelter to the Fellowship on their quest to destroy the One Ring. Her character is both wise and intimidating, testing the hero’s resolve.

Her portrayal of Galadriel became instantly iconic. She brought a serene, ethereal, and commanding presence to the role, perfectly capturing the character’s otherworldly nature. The film was a massive global success and introduced her to an even wider audience as a key figure in one of cinema’s most beloved franchises.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’ (2002)

Blanchett reprised her role as Galadriel in the second film of the trilogy. Although her physical appearance is brief, her presence is felt throughout the movie. She communicates telepathically with one of the main characters, offering him counsel and reassurance during a dark and uncertain time in their quest.

Her voiceover narration also opens the film, setting the stage for the next chapter of the epic story. Even with limited screen time, she maintained Galadriel’s essential role as a powerful and guiding force for the heroes. Her continued presence helped to maintain the magical and grand scale of the fantasy world.

‘Heaven’ (2002)

In this thriller, Blanchett plays Philippa, a British teacher living in Turin, Italy. After her husband and several students die from drugs supplied by a local dealer, she takes matters into her own hands by planting a bomb in the dealer’s office. When the bomb accidentally kills four innocent people, she is arrested for murder.

The film then follows her relationship with the young police officer who translates for her during her interrogation and helps her escape. Blanchett’s performance is deeply emotional and intense, portraying a woman driven to an extreme act by grief and a desire for justice. The film is a meditative and visually poetic story of love and redemption.

‘Coffee and Cigarettes’ (2003)

This anthology film consists of a series of short black-and-white vignettes that all feature characters sitting around drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes. Blanchett appears in one segment where she plays two roles: a fictionalized version of herself as a famous movie star, and her own resentful, non-famous cousin named Shelly.

Her dual performance in this segment was widely praised as a highlight of the film. She created two distinct and believable characters who interact with each other, showcasing her remarkable skill and versatility as an actress. The segment is a clever and subtle exploration of fame, jealousy, and family dynamics.

‘Veronica Guerin’ (2003)

In this biographical film, Blanchett portrays the real-life Irish journalist Veronica Guerin. The movie chronicles Guerin’s fearless investigation into the Dublin drug trade in the mid-1990s. Her reporting exposed some of the country’s most notorious crime bosses, but her relentless pursuit of the truth ultimately led to her assassination.

Blanchett’s performance as the tenacious and courageous journalist earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She captured Guerin’s passion for her work and her unwavering determination to hold powerful criminals accountable, even as the danger to her and her family escalated. The film is a powerful tribute to a journalist who made the ultimate sacrifice.

‘The Missing’ (2003)

This Western thriller is set in 19th-century New Mexico. Blanchett plays Maggie Gilkeson, a hardworking frontier medicine woman and single mother. When her eldest daughter is kidnapped by a band of Apache renegades, she is forced to accept help from her estranged father, who abandoned her as a child, to track them down.

Blanchett delivered a physically demanding and emotionally powerful performance as a fiercely protective mother. She portrayed Maggie’s grit and resilience in the harsh environment of the Old West. The role was a departure for her, placing her at the center of a dark and suspenseful action-adventure story.

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003)

Blanchett made her final appearance as Galadriel in the concluding chapter of the trilogy. As the War of the Ring reaches its climax, her character plays a crucial role from afar, using her power to protect her realm and aid the forces of good. At the end of the film, she joins the other Ring-bearers on a ship to sail away from Middle-earth.

Her presence in the final film brought her character’s journey to a graceful and poignant conclusion. The movie was a monumental success, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture. Her role as Galadriel remains one of her most recognized and beloved performances, cementing her place in cinematic history.

‘The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou’ (2004)

In this quirky comedy-drama directed by Wes Anderson, Blanchett plays Jane Winslett-Richardson, a pregnant journalist who is writing a cover story about an aging oceanographer. She joins his crew on an expedition to hunt down a mythical “jaguar shark” that ate his best friend.

Blanchett seamlessly integrated into the director’s unique and stylized world. She portrayed Jane as a smart and observant reporter who becomes entangled in the crew’s dysfunctional family dynamics. Her character serves as the intelligent and grounded center amidst the film’s eccentric characters and whimsical adventures.

‘The Aviator’ (2004)

For her role in this biographical drama about the life of Howard Hughes, Blanchett portrayed the legendary actress Katharine Hepburn. The film depicts the period when Hepburn and Hughes were in a romantic relationship. To prepare for the role, Blanchett extensively studied Hepburn’s films and mannerisms.

Her stunningly accurate portrayal earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, her first Oscar win. She captured Hepburn’s distinctive voice, posture, and independent spirit without falling into caricature. The performance was widely acclaimed as a masterful and transformative tribute to a Hollywood icon.

‘Little Fish’ (2005)

Returning to her native Australia, Blanchett starred in this drama as Tracy Heart, a former heroin addict who is trying to rebuild her life. She manages a video store in a Sydney suburb and dreams of owning her own business, but her past and the people in it continue to threaten her fragile stability.

Blanchett’s performance was raw and powerful, earning her the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actress. She portrayed Tracy’s struggle with a quiet determination and vulnerability, creating a deeply human and compelling character. The film is a gritty and realistic look at addiction, recovery, and the dream of a second chance.

‘Babel’ (2006)

This drama tells four interconnected stories set in Morocco, the United States, Mexico, and Japan. Blanchett plays Susan Jones, an American tourist who is on vacation with her husband in Morocco in an attempt to save their marriage. Their lives are thrown into chaos when Susan is struck by a stray bullet from a rifle.

The incident involving Blanchett’s character is the catalyst that links all the different storylines in the film. Her performance is intense and visceral as she portrays a woman in extreme pain and fighting for her life in a remote village. The film was critically acclaimed and received numerous award nominations for its ensemble cast.

‘The Good German’ (2006)

This stylish neo-noir film is set in post-World War II Berlin. Shot in black and white and in the style of 1940s cinema, the story follows an American war correspondent who becomes involved with his former lover, Lena Brandt, played by Blanchett. Lena is a mysterious woman with dark secrets who is desperate to escape the ruined city.

Blanchett’s performance evoked the classic femme fatales of old Hollywood. She captured the cynical and world-weary nature of a woman who has done whatever it takes to survive the war. The role was a tribute to the golden age of cinema and another demonstration of her ability to embody different historical eras.

‘Notes on a Scandal’ (2006)

In this psychological thriller, Blanchett plays Sheba Hart, a new art teacher at a London school. She begins a foolish and illicit affair with one of her 15-year-old students. Her secret is discovered by an older, lonely colleague who develops an obsessive and manipulative friendship with her, using the information as a tool for control.

Blanchett’s portrayal of the reckless and naive Sheba earned her an Academy Award nomination. She expertly conveyed her character’s flawed judgment and the mix of guilt, passion, and panic she experiences as her life unravels. The film is a tense and captivating two-hander that relies on the powerful performances of its two leads.

‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’ (2007)

Blanchett reprised her iconic role as Queen Elizabeth I in this sequel to her 1998 breakout film. The movie focuses on the later years of the queen’s reign, including her confrontation with the Spanish Armada and her complex relationship with Sir Walter Raleigh.

Returning to the character that made her a star, Blanchett once again delivered a powerful and nuanced performance, earning another Academy Award nomination. She delved deeper into the queen’s private struggles, balancing her public image as a powerful ruler with her personal feelings of vulnerability and loneliness.

‘I’m Not There’ (2007)

This unconventional biographical film depicts different facets of the life and music of Bob Dylan, with six different actors portraying him in various symbolic forms. Blanchett played Jude Quinn, a character representing Dylan during his controversial mid-1960s period when he shifted from acoustic folk music to electric rock.

Her transformative performance was a standout in the film, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Playing a male character, she captured Dylan’s distinctive look, voice, and rebellious attitude with uncanny precision. The role was a bold and audacious choice that showcased her incredible range and fearlessness as a performer.

‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’ (2008)

Blanchett joined this blockbuster franchise as the main villain, Dr. Irina Spalko. She is a brilliant and ruthless Soviet agent and scientist who is obsessed with psychic warfare and a paranormal artifact known as the Crystal Skull. Spalko becomes the primary antagonist to the film’s titular hero.

As the cold and calculating Irina Spalko, Blanchett created a memorable and formidable villain. She sported a severe black bob haircut and a thick Russian accent, fully embracing the pulp-adventure style of the series. The role allowed her to be part of a major action franchise and showcase a more menacing side of her talent.

‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ (2008)

In this epic romantic fantasy, Blanchett plays Daisy Fuller, the lifelong love interest of a man who ages in reverse. The film follows their unconventional relationship over many decades, as he grows younger while she grows older. Their paths cross at different stages of life, and they must navigate the unique challenges of their love story.

Blanchett’s performance is a masterful portrayal of a character across an entire lifetime. From a young girl to an elderly woman on her deathbed, she captured the essence of Daisy at every age. The film is a poignant and visually stunning meditation on time, love, and loss, with her relationship with the title character at its emotional core.

‘Ponyo’ (2008)

In the English-language version of this animated fantasy film from the legendary Studio Ghibli, Blanchett provides the voice for Gran Mamare. Her character is the beautiful and powerful goddess of the sea and the mother of the titular character, a young goldfish princess who longs to become human.

As the serene and benevolent Queen of the Ocean, Blanchett’s voice performance brought a sense of majesty and maternal warmth to the character. She was part of a star-studded cast assembled for the English dub of the visually enchanting and heartwarming family film.

‘Robin Hood’ (2010)

This epic action film offers a revisionist take on the classic English folk tale. Blanchett stars as Lady Marian, a strong-willed and independent noblewoman. The film portrays the origin story of Robin Hood, following him as a common archer who returns from the Crusades and gets involved in a struggle against a corrupt English crown.

Blanchett’s portrayal of Marian was a departure from the traditional damsel in distress. She played her as a capable and resilient woman who manages her late husband’s estate and is a true partner to Robin in his fight for justice. The role added another strong historical female character to her filmography.

‘Hanna’ (2011)

In this action thriller, Blanchett plays the main antagonist, Marissa Wiegler, a ruthless senior CIA agent. She is obsessively hunting a teenage girl who has been raised in isolation by her ex-agent father to be the perfect assassin. Marissa has a dark secret that connects her to the girl’s past and is determined to eliminate them both.

As the cold and relentless Marissa, Blanchett created a chilling and formidable villain. She portrayed the character with a mix of icy professionalism and simmering personal animosity. The role was another powerful turn as an antagonist in a stylish and fast-paced thriller.

‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ (2012)

Blanchett reprised her role as the powerful Elven lady Galadriel in the first film of a new trilogy set in Middle-earth. The story takes place 60 years before the events of ‘The Lord of the Rings’. Galadriel is a member of the White Council, a group of wise and powerful leaders who investigate the growing shadow in the world.

Her return to the role was a welcome one for fans of the original trilogy. She once again embodied the grace, wisdom, and power of Galadriel, connecting the new series of films to the beloved originals. Her presence helped to establish the epic tone and high stakes of the new adventure.

‘Blue Jasmine’ (2013)

For her lead role in this dramatic film, Blanchett played Jeanette “Jasmine” Francis, a wealthy and glamorous New York socialite who suffers a catastrophic fall from grace. After her husband’s financial crimes are exposed and he takes his own life, the now-penniless Jasmine moves into her working-class sister’s small apartment in San Francisco, where she struggles with her new reality.

Blanchett’s performance was universally acclaimed and earned her a second Academy Award, this time for Best Actress. She delivered a devastating and complex portrayal of a woman on the verge of a complete mental breakdown, capturing Jasmine’s vanity, delusion, and profound despair. The role is considered one of the finest of her career.

‘The Turning’ (2013)

This Australian anthology film is a collection of short segments, each adapted from a story in a book by author Tim Winton. Each segment is directed by a different person. Blanchett appears in the chapter titled “Reunion,” playing Gail Lang, a woman whose life is intertwined with the other characters in the small-town setting.

The film weaves together multiple narratives to create a larger portrait of a community. Blanchett’s contribution was part of a unique and ambitious cinematic project that brought together many of Australia’s top actors and filmmakers. Her performance added to the rich tapestry of interconnected lives explored in the film.

‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’ (2013)

Blanchett returned as Galadriel in the second installment of the prequel trilogy. Her role is brief but significant. She appears in a scene where the wizard Gandalf investigates the ancient fortress of Dol Guldur, and her voice is heard as he confronts the dark necromancer who resides there.

Her cameo appearance served as a powerful reminder of the larger forces at play in the story. It reinforced her character’s role as a watchful and protective guardian of Middle-earth, even when she is not physically present in the main narrative.

‘The Monuments Men’ (2014)

Set during World War II, this film tells the true story of an Allied platoon tasked with rescuing priceless works of art from Nazi thieves. Blanchett plays Claire Simone, a French art historian and curator who is initially distrustful of the American soldiers but eventually decides to help them locate the stolen art. Her character is based on the real-life French Resistance member Rose Valland.

Blanchett’s character is the moral and intellectual conscience of the film. She portrays Claire with a mix of steely resolve and quiet vulnerability, embodying the immense cultural stakes of the war. Her performance added a layer of depth and gravity to the historical drama.

‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’ (2014)

In this acclaimed animated sequel, Blanchett voiced the character of Valka, a mysterious dragon rider who has been living in seclusion for 20 years. It is revealed that she is the long-lost mother of the film’s hero, Hiccup. Valka is a fierce protector of dragons and teaches her son about their deeper secrets.

Blanchett’s voice performance brought a sense of wisdom, strength, and wildness to the character. She added a significant emotional layer to the story, exploring the powerful reunion between a mother and her son. The film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its mature storytelling and stunning animation.

‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ (2014)

In the final film of the trilogy, Blanchett’s character Galadriel plays a much more active role. She travels to the dark fortress of Dol Guldur to rescue the imprisoned Gandalf. In a major display of her power, she single-handedly confronts and banishes the dark lord Sauron and his spectral Nazgûl.

This was the first time audiences saw Galadriel unleash her full magical abilities in a direct confrontation. The powerful sequence was a highlight of the film, showcasing a formidable warrior side to the character. It provided a dramatic and satisfying conclusion to her role in the prequel series.

‘Knight of Cups’ (2015)

In this experimental drama from director Terrence Malick, Blanchett is part of an ensemble cast surrounding a disillusioned screenwriter wandering through a life of excess in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. She plays Nancy, the protagonist’s ex-wife, a compassionate doctor whom he wronged in the past.

The film is known for its poetic and non-linear style, relying heavily on imagery and voiceover. Blanchett’s scenes, like those of the other actors, are part of a larger, impressionistic exploration of love, regret, and spirituality. Her character represents a life of meaning and substance that the protagonist has lost.

‘Cinderella’ (2015)

Blanchett took on the iconic role of the villain in this live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale. She played Lady Tremaine, Cinderella’s cruel and wicked stepmother. Driven by jealousy and a desire for social status, she torments her gentle stepdaughter and tries to ruin her chances of finding happiness.

Her performance was praised by critics as a standout element of the film. She brought a sense of glamour, wit, and psychological depth to the well-known character, exploring the bitterness and insecurity that fueled her cruelty. Blanchett created a villain who was as captivating as she was wicked.

‘Carol’ (2015)

This romantic drama is set in the 1950s and tells the story of a forbidden love affair between two women from very different backgrounds. Blanchett stars as Carol Aird, an elegant and sophisticated older woman who is going through a difficult divorce. She begins a secret relationship with a young shopgirl and aspiring photographer.

Blanchett’s performance as the titular character was met with universal acclaim, earning her another Academy Award nomination. She portrayed Carol’s grace, confidence, and deep vulnerability with incredible subtlety. The film is a beautiful and poignant love story, anchored by the powerful chemistry between its two lead actresses.

‘Truth’ (2015)

This biographical drama chronicles the 2004 CBS News scandal that ended the career of legendary newsman Dan Rather. Blanchett plays Mary Mapes, the producer of the show ’60 Minutes Wednesday’. The film follows Mapes and her team as they investigate a story about President George W. Bush’s military service and the subsequent firestorm that erupts over the authenticity of their documents.

Blanchett’s portrayal of the determined and embattled journalist was highly praised. She captured the intelligence, passion, and stress of a producer fighting to defend her story and her team’s integrity in the face of immense political and corporate pressure. The film is a compelling look at the intersection of journalism, politics, and power.

‘Manifesto’ (2017)

This unique art installation film features Blanchett in 13 different roles. In a series of vignettes, she portrays a range of characters—including a schoolteacher, a factory worker, a news anchor, and a homeless man—each of whom recites excerpts from famous artistic and political manifestos of the 20th century.

The project was an extraordinary showcase for Blanchett’s immense versatility and transformative abilities. Each character was distinct and fully realized, demonstrating her incredible skill in embodying different personas. The film is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of art, philosophy, and the power of words.

‘Song to Song’ (2017)

This experimental romantic drama from director Terrence Malick is set in the music scene of Austin, Texas. It follows the intersecting lives and romantic entanglements of two struggling songwriters, a music mogul, and a waitress. Blanchett appears in a supporting role as Amanda, a woman connected to one of the main characters.

Like other films by the director, the movie features a loose, non-linear narrative and an impressionistic style. Blanchett’s part contributes to the film’s collage-like exploration of love, betrayal, and the search for meaning. Her appearance was part of a large and eclectic ensemble cast.

‘Thor: Ragnarok’ (2017)

Blanchett joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the main villain, Hela, the Asgardian goddess of death. She is the long-lost, power-hungry older sister of Thor and Loki. After being imprisoned for millennia, she breaks free and returns to Asgard to claim the throne, bringing destruction in her wake.

As the franchise’s first primary female villain, Blanchett created a powerful and memorable antagonist. She was praised for her commanding presence and for bringing a mix of menace, charisma, and dark humor to the role. Her performance was a celebrated highlight of the hugely successful and critically acclaimed film.

‘Ocean’s eight‘ (2018)

In this all-female spin-off of the popular heist franchise, Blanchett plays Lou, the right-hand woman to the film’s master thief. She helps assemble a team of specialists to pull off an audacious jewel heist at the annual Met Gala in New York City. Lou is the cool, competent, and stylish second-in-command of the operation.

Blanchett’s performance was praised for its effortless coolness and charisma. Her character’s sharp style and witty banter with her partner-in-crime were highlights of the film. She was a key part of the fun and dynamic ensemble cast that successfully launched a new chapter in the franchise.

‘The House with a Clock in Its Walls’ (2018)

This family-friendly fantasy film is about a young orphan who goes to live with his eccentric warlock uncle in a magical, old house. Blanchett plays Florence Zimmerman, the uncle’s best friend and neighbor. She is a powerful and intelligent witch who helps protect the boy and uncover the dark secret hidden within the house’s walls.

Blanchett brought her signature wit and elegance to the role of the friendly witch. Her warm and humorous performance was a key ingredient in the film’s charm. The movie was a fun and spooky adventure that allowed her to showcase her talents in a film for younger audiences.

‘Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle’ (2018)

In this dark, live-action adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’, Blanchett provided the voice for the hypnotic and ancient python, Kaa. In this version, Kaa is a seer who acts as a mentor and narrator, watching over the “man-cub” Mowgli and occasionally offering him cryptic guidance about his destiny.

Blanchett’s voice performance was chilling and alluring, perfectly capturing the snake’s mysterious and powerful nature. She created a character that was both menacing and wise, adding a layer of dark mystique to the film’s retelling of the classic story.

‘How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World’ (2019)

Blanchett reprised her voice role as Valka in the final installment of the acclaimed animated trilogy. As the mother of the hero, Hiccup, she now serves as a wise advisor and a fierce dragon rider for her people. She supports her son as he faces a new threat that forces them to seek a mythical dragon utopia.

Her character’s journey came to a satisfying conclusion along with the rest of the cast. Valka’s wisdom and strength were essential to the story’s emotional core as the characters faced their biggest challenge yet. Blanchett’s performance once again added depth and gravitas to the beloved animated series.

‘Where’d You Go, Bernadette’ (2019)

In this comedy-drama based on the bestselling novel, Blanchett plays the title character, Bernadette Fox. A once-renowned architect, Bernadette has become a brilliant but reclusive and agoraphobic mother living in Seattle. When the pressures of her life become too much, she abruptly disappears, forcing her family to go on an adventure to find her.

Blanchett’s performance was praised for capturing the quirky, anxious, and fiercely intelligent nature of the character. She skillfully balanced the comedic and dramatic elements of Bernadette’s story, creating a complex and relatable portrait of a creative genius who has lost her way.

‘Don’t Look Up’ (2021)

In this satirical black comedy, Blanchett plays Brie Evantee, the co-host of a breezy and superficial morning news show called ‘The Daily Rip’. She and her co-host are the first members of the media to interview two astronomers who have discovered a comet that is on a direct collision course with Earth.

Blanchett was hilarious and almost unrecognizable as the bubbly, image-obsessed television personality. Her character perfectly embodied the film’s satire of a media culture that is unable to take serious threats seriously. She was a memorable part of the film’s large and star-studded ensemble cast.

‘Nightmare Alley’ (2021)

This neo-noir psychological thriller is set in the 1940s. The story follows an ambitious and manipulative carnival worker who learns a mentalist act and reinvents himself as a psychic for the wealthy elite. Blanchett plays Dr. Lilith Ritter, a mysterious and cunning psychiatrist who becomes both his partner and his adversary.

As the classic femme fatale, Blanchett’s performance was cool, calculating, and seductive. She created a character who was intellectually superior to the protagonist and ultimately more dangerous. Her scenes were a tense and captivating battle of wits that formed the core of the film’s second half.

‘Tár’ (2022)

In this psychological drama, Blanchett delivers one of her most acclaimed performances as Lydia Tár, a world-renowned and brilliant composer and conductor of a major German orchestra. The film follows the celebrated maestro as her carefully constructed life and career begin to unravel in the face of abuse allegations and her own obsessive behavior.

Blanchett’s towering performance earned her numerous awards and another Academy Award nomination. She completely embodied the complex and often monstrous character, capturing her genius, charisma, and catastrophic fall from power. The role is considered by many to be a masterwork and a pinnacle of her career.

‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)

In this stop-motion animated version of the classic tale, Blanchett voiced the character of Spazzatura the Monkey. Spazzatura is the long-suffering and abused sidekick to the villainous puppeteer Count Volpe. The character does not speak in words but communicates through monkey sounds and gestures.

The role was a passion project for Blanchett, who had asked the director for any part in the film. Despite having no actual dialogue, her vocal performance brought a surprising amount of personality and pathos to the character. The film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

‘The School for Good and Evil’ (2022)

In this fantasy film, Blanchett provided the voice of The Storian, the magical pen that writes all the fairy tales and narrates the story. The Storian is the omniscient force that chronicles the lives of the students at the titular school, where heroes and villains are trained.

As the all-knowing narrator, Blanchett’s voice brought a sense of classic, epic fantasy to the film. Her narration guided the audience through the magical world and the adventures of its young protagonists. The role was a small but essential part of the film’s storytelling.

‘The New Boy’ (2023)

In this Australian drama, which she also produced, Blanchett plays Sister Eileen, a renegade nun who runs a remote monastery and orphanage for Indigenous boys in the 1940s. Her world is disrupted by the arrival of a new orphan boy who appears to have mysterious, supernatural powers.

The film explores themes of spirituality, colonialism, and the clash between Christian and Indigenous belief systems. Blanchett’s performance as the well-intentioned but conflicted nun is central to the story. She portrays a woman whose own faith is tested by the arrival of the gifted and enigmatic new boy.

‘Rumours’ (2024)

This dark comedy features Blanchett as Hilda Ortmann, the pragmatic President of the European Commission. The story follows a group of world leaders from the G7 who get lost in the woods while trying to draft a statement during their annual summit. As they wander deeper into the forest, chaos and paranoia ensue.

The film is a satirical look at global politics and the absurdity of leadership. Blanchett’s character tries to maintain order and reason among the increasingly panicked and inept leaders. Her performance is a key part of the ensemble cast in this quirky and allegorical comedy.

‘Borderlands’ (2024)

Based on the popular video game series, this science fiction action-comedy stars Blanchett as Lilith, an infamous outlaw with a mysterious past. She reluctantly returns to her home planet of Pandora on a mission to find the missing daughter of a powerful figure. To succeed, she must form an unlikely alliance with a team of misfits.

The role sees Blanchett leading a high-energy, effects-heavy blockbuster. She embodies the tough, cynical, and action-ready spirit of the well-known video game character. The film is a visually vibrant and chaotic adventure that brings the world of the games to the big screen.

‘Black Bag’ (2025)

Cate Blanchett stars in this spy thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh. She plays a veteran spy whose world is shattered when she learns a shocking secret about her husband, played by Michael Fassbender. His hidden past includes the creation of a deadly device that has the potential to cause widespread chaos.

The discovery forces her to go on the run, using all of her skills to evade those who now want her silenced. The film is a tense espionage story that explores themes of trust and betrayal at the highest levels of international intelligence. The role reunites Blanchett with director Soderbergh for a character-driven thriller that pits her against the person she thought she knew best.

From queens to elves, which Cate Blanchett role do you believe truly defines her incredible range?