Released in 2023, Tár is one of the best films of Cate Blanchett's career, giving her the space and opportunity to showcase her talent on screen. In the plot, she plays a successful conductor whose life appears perfect, with money, a house, children, and a loving wife. However, her strong personality and need for control and excellence make her ignore everyone around her and focus only on her desires. It doesn't take long for everything to crumble around her. With intelligent writing and cold-toned cinematography reflecting the protagonist's harshness, Tár makes one ponder issues like sexism, feminism, sisterhood, and the abuses behind the scenes of classical music. The film was nominated for the 2023 Oscars in categories including Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, and, of course, Actress.
Among the films starring Cate Blanchett, Carol stands out as one of the most significant LGBT romances of recent decades. Released in 2015, the plot tells the story of Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), a young woman working in the toy section of a department store. One day, she meets Carol Aird (Blanchett), a customer looking for a Christmas gift for her daughter. The two women gradually grow closer and embark on an unexpected romance full of highs and lows. The story was inspired by Patricia Highsmith's novel The Price of Salt, which drew from a personal experience. The film received numerous nominations for major awards, including the Oscars, Golden Globes, and BAFTA, in categories like Best Actress (Cate Blanchett), Best ing Actress (Rooney Mara), Cinematography, Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, and Score.
In 2021, Blanchett starred in another hit film, Don't Look Up. This sci-fi comedy tells the story of two scientists — played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence — who try to warn authorities and the public about a comet approaching Earth. Not only are they not believed, but everyone also mocks their discovery. In the plot, Blanchett plays Brie Evantee, the host of the show Breakfast where the scientists present their findings. Released directly on Netflix, the film was nominated for the Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score, and also received nominations for the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and BAFTA.
In 2018, Cate Blanchett ed an all-star cast in the comedy Ocean's 8. The film starred Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Paulson, and Rihanna. Blanchett plays Lou, a former crime partner of Debbie Ocean (Bullock), who s her in a risky heist: stealing a diamond necklace worth $150 million. To do so, they assemble a team of talented women but encounter several obstacles along the way. Cate created a more serious and restrained character, contrasting well with Bullock's extroverted character. Together, the leading duo managed to keep the film from becoming over-the-top. The plot, directed by Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's trilogy.
