After receiving the Best Actress award at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards, Cate Blanchett expressed her desire for a change in the way the entertainment industry recognizes and celebrates artists.
While accepting her award on Sunday at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Cate called for the end of televised awards shows.
She began her speech with a light-hearted comment about receiving a bottle of mouthwash from Julia Roberts earlier in the evening, but quickly transitioned to discussing the need for a more inclusive, innovative, and accessible way to support and celebrate the work of artists in the industry.
Cate’s speech received widespread praise and sparked conversation within the industry about alternative ways to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all artists.
Cate Blanchett went on to question the validity of the award, stating that it was arbitrary, considering the numerous outstanding performances by women in the past year.
She mentioned several notable performances that were not nominated, specifically citing Andrea Riseborough’s role in To Leslie as one that deserved recognition.
After highlighting the shortcomings of the current awards system, Cate Blanchett proposed some significant changes for awards season.
“I would love it if we would just change this whole f—ing structure. It’s like what is this patriarchal pyramid where someone stands up here. Why don’t we just say there was a whole raft of female performances that are in concert and in dialogue with one another?” she said.
Cate further stated in her speech saying “And stop the televised horse race of it all. Because, can I tell you, every single woman with a television, film, advertising, tampon commercials — whatever — you’re all out there doing amazing work that is inspiring me continually. So thank you. I share this with you all.”
Cate Blanchett has a history of success at the Critics Choice Awards, having previously won the award for Best Actress for Elizabeth in 1999, Best Acting Ensemble for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in 2004, and Best Actress in 2014 for Blue Jasmine. This latest win for TAR marks her fourth Critics Choice Award.