Two-time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett, who turned 50 earlier this year, is regarded as one of the best actresses of our time. She’s won two Oscars (her first for playing Katharine Hepburn in “The Aviator”) and has been nominated five other times, including “I’m Not There”, “Notes on a Scandal”, “Elizabeth” and follow-up “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”.
I met her at the Critics Choice Awards in 2014. She was thrilled to bring her young son to the ceremony. He was showing everyone various card tricks.
Blanchett stars in “Boyhood” and “Before Sunrise” director Richard Linklater’s latest film. “Where’d You Go, Bernadette”, based on the popular novel, opens next Friday, August 16th. Here are some of my favorite recent performances from the Aussie actress:
Carol Aird, “Carol” (2015)
Blanchett and Rooney Mara made for one of 2015’s best on-screen duos as 1950s lovers. Many argued they were co-leads, but ultimately Blanchett was in the Lead Actress Oscar category and Mara in the Supporting Actress one.
Jasmine, “Blue Jasmine” (2013)
This showcase performance in the Woody Allen drama allowed Blanchett to sweep Best Actress categories that awards season.
Claire Simone, “The Monuments Men” (2014)
George Clooney’s all-star WWII drama had some major issues. But none of them revolved around Blanchett’s character or her scenes with Matt Damon. In fact, they were the highlights.
Stepmother, “Cinderella” (2015)
Blanchett is very good at playing very bad in Kenneth Branagh’s grand, glowing and largely sophisticated version of the timeless story. And the costumes she got to wear – wow!
Valka, “How to Train Your Dragon” Series (2014, 2019)
Her voice performance, particularly in “Dragon 2”, brought new depth and perspective to the epic DreamWorks Animation saga.
Marissa Wiegler, “Hanna” (2011)
A wickedly good role in a deviously gripping movie from the mind of Joe Wright.
Follow LCJ on Social Media: Twitter @LCJReviews and Instagram @lightscamjackson