Cate Blanchett’s 15 Best Film Performances: From ‘Carol’ to ‘Tár’

From the royalty of Elizabeth I to the betrayal of superhero villain Hela, Australian sensation Cate Blanchett is one of the most revered performers of her generation, with some of the most riveting turns in modern cinema.

To celebrate her birthday, Variety ranks her 15 best performances of her career (so far).

Beloved by critics, audiences,s and awards bodies, Blanchett has displayed a career that aspiring actors dream about. However, we knew we were witnessing one of cinemas most gifted actresses from the beginning of her career. Getting her start in smaller, independent projects such as Cherie Nowlans The Wedding Party and Gillian Armstrongs Oscar and Lucinda, it was her masterful turn in Shekhar Kapurs Elizabeth that wowed the cinematic world, earning her the first of many Oscar nominations she would receive.

After portraying a different type of Queen, Katharine Hepburn, the Queen of the Oscars, in Martin Scorseses The Aviator, she won her first Academy Award for best supporting actress. With more memorable and stunning performances that would garner nominations, such as her work in Richard Eyres Notes on a Scandal, Todd Haynes Im Not There and Kapurs sequel Elizabeth: The Golden Age, she would win an undeniable Oscar for best actress in Woody Allens Blue Jasmine in 2014. Her last two nominations as the titular characters stand as some of her most beloved. The first was for the closeted lesbian in Todd Haynes love drama Carol, alongside an equally (and co-leading) invigorating Rooney Mara as her secret beau. The other was as the fictional visceral conductor Lydia Tár in Todd Fields psychological thriller Tár.

We didnt even mention the Oscar noms she was snubbed for, including Bandits, Veronica Guerin and the two most notable, The Talented Mr. Ripley from Anthony Minghella and Nightmare Alley from Guillermo del Toro.

Read Varietys list of Blanchetts 15 best film performances below, and watch the best scene from each of the selections.

Honorable mentions: “Bandits” (2001); Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio (2022); “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” (2004); “The Missing” (2003); The Shipping News (2001)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Image Credit: ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Daisy Fuller

Directed by: Paramount Pictures

Written by: Eric Roth, Robin Swicord (based on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald)

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

The scene that proves it: Meeting in the Middle

An undeniable Oscar darling, its surprising in hindsight that Blanchett wasnt among the 13 leading nominations for Finchers fantasy drama about a man who is aging backward. As Benjamins love interest Daisy, Blanchett finds beauty in the silent moments where she allows the stunning imagery to elevate the work.

Babel (2006)

Image Credit: ©Paramount Classics/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Susan Jones

Directed by: Alejandro González Iñárritu

Written by: Guillermo Arriaga

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

The scene that proves it: Richard, dont leave me here!

Babel has become an interesting film to dissect since its release. Oscar recognized the astounding performances of Adriana Barraza and Rinko Kikuchi, but people tend to overlook Blanchetts physical and agonizing turn. As an American woman who is accidentally shot while traveling abroad, she exudes the excruciating pain of someone going through trauma and the anger and eventual acceptance that she comes by the films end. Another breathtaking display of skill on her part.

Don't Look Up (2021)

Role: Brie Evantee

Directed by: Adam McKay

Written by: Adam McKay, David Sirota

Distributor: Netflix

The scene that proves it: I have slept with two former presidents.

Blanchett’s Fox News/Megyn Kelly-esque figure is sensationally humorous in the Adam McKay world-ending comedy. One piece of a sprawling ensemble that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Tyler Perry and Ariana Grande, she chews up the scenery, becoming a highlight for many, even if you were divided on the film.

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

Role: Galadriel

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Written by: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson (based on the novel The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien)

Distributor: New Line Cinema

The scene that proves it: Will you look into the mirror?

Depending on where you stand on The Lord of the Rings, either seeing the three separate titles as one story or as individual entities that stand on their own merits (Im in the latter), regardless, Blanchetts angelic Galadriel is a stapled presence in the saga, memorable and equally vital to the storys complexity.

Truth (2015)

Image Credit: Everett Collection Role: Mary Mapes

Directed by: James Vanderbilt

Written by: James Vanderbilt (based on the novel Truth and Duty by Mary Mapes)

Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics

The scene that proves it: Official document, top of the page.

The fight for the truth in journalism is tantalizing and accessible to a world outside of it with James Vanderbilts Truth, anchored by Blanchett in the role of CBS 60 Minutes producer Mary Mapes. Relentlessly trying to clear her name, and in shared bouts with Dan Rather (played by Robert Redford) and Lawrence Lanpher (played by Dermot Mulroney), she gets to stretch herself within a year that also had her delivering Carol and Cinderella. Each turn is unique and approached with a precision that not many can do with multiple works side-by-side.

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Role: Hela

Directed by: Taika Waititi

Written by: Eric Pearson, Craig Kule, Christopher L. Yost (based on the Marvel comics by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby)

Distributor: Marvel Studios

The scene that proves it: Hela destroys Mjolnir.

There have been valid criticisms on the realization of Marvels villains, with bad guys like Thanos (Josh Brolin) and Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) standing out from the pack, but the baddest girl of all is Thors half-sister Hela, who Blanchett channels with the ferocity and fun of any classical star in cinema.

The Aviator (2004)

Image Credit: Everett Collection Role: Katherine Hepburn

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Written by: John Logan

Distributor: Miramax / Warner Bros.

The scene that proves it: Nine holes.

The only actress to ever portray a former Oscar winner and win an Oscar for it, Blanchett shines within the compounds of Martin Scorseses take on Howard Hughes in The Aviator. Portraying Katharine Hepburn, she perfects the quirks and peccadillos of the movie matron, who won four Academy Awards during her career.

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Role: Meredith Logue

Directed by: Anthony Minghella

Written by: Anthony Minghella (based on the novel The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith)

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

The scene that proves it: Oh my God! I hardly even recognized you.

While many will understandably cite director Anthony Minghellas best picture winner The English Patient (1996) as his gift to cinema, as time forges on, Im continuously brought back to his devilishly stylish and captivating The Talented Mr. Ripley, showcasing the career-best performances from Matt Damon as Tom Ripley and Jude Law as Dickie Greenleaf, who was nominated for best supporting actor. Much of the delight rests upon the brief but impactful moments Blanchett gets to sprinkle in as Meredith Logue, an unknowing chess piece in Ripleys web of lies. Whether its her calling out to him as he sits at lunch or seeing him on the back of the boat in the films final moments (leading to Peter repeating the haunting phrase, Tom is crushing me), shes lusciously divine, and a great example of what masters can do with little time, which the late Philip Seymour Hoffman also demonstrates as Freddie Miles.

I'm Not There (2007)

Image Credit: Everett Collection Role: Jude

Directed by: Todd Haynes

Written by: Todd Haynes, Oren Moverman

Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

The scene that proves it: The press conference

The imagination and interpretations of Bob Dylan may not be a home run in Todd Haynes echelon, but Cate Blanchetts work stands as best-in-show. With a large ensemble, she finds the inner workings of a complex individual with a musical backdrop.

Notes on a Scandal (2006)

Role: Sheba Hart

Directed by: Richard Eyre

Written by: Patrick Marber (based on the novel by Zoë Heller)

Distributor: Fox Searchlight Pictures (now Searchlight Pictures)

The scene that proves it: Help you collect your cat

Theres no misstep with Blanchett as the teacher who begins a relationship with one of her students in Richard Eyres dramatic thriller Notes on a Scandal. Except for being nominated in supporting actress, when shes a co-star with Judi Dench who was nominated in lead, its a performance that has aged gracefully over the years and one you can pick up on new things with each additional viewing.

Elizabeth (1998)

Image Credit: ©GramercyPictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Role: Elizabeth I

Directed by: Shekhar Kapur

Written by: Michael Hirst

Distributor: PolyGram Filmed Entertainment

The scene that proves it: I am no mans Elizabeth.

Fully realized, gripping and larger-than-life, Blanchetts searing biographical interpretation of the early years of Queen Elizabeth I is simply profound. The role let the world know she was a force in the Hollywood industry. Winning the Golden Globe for best actress (drama), she came up just short of Gwyneth Paltrows work for Shakespeare in Love at the Oscars, which coincidentally brought in a win for Judi Dench, who also played Queen Elizabeth and would later become her co-star in Notes on a Scandal. Bringing the audience through the arc of Elizabeths rise to power, she finds every ounce of the figures mannerisms and conflict.

Nightmare Alley (2021)

Image Credit: Courtesy of Kerry Hayes/Fox Role: Dr. Lilith Ritter

Directed by: Guillermo del Toro

Written by: Guillermo del Toro, Kim Morgan (based on the novel by William Lindsay Gresham)

Distributor: Searchlight Pictures

The scene that proves it: Ill live.

Blanchett shepherds grace and a hypnotic trance that has the viewer hanging on every single word she releases in Guillermo del Toros dark thriller. Exuding fantastic chemistry against Bradley Cooper, she sets the screen ablaze. Shes vital in key moments like exposing the magic in her entry during the films second half or giving a fierce look after getting choked by Coopers Stanton, delivering a simple one-linerIll live. Simply brilliant.

Carol (2015)

Role: Carol Aird

Directed by: Todd Haynes

Written by: Phyllis Nagy (based on the novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith)

Distributor: The Weinstein Company

The scene that proves it: I love you.

Blanchett dives into Todd Haynes beautiful portrait of love, thoughtfully manifested on the shoulders of the work of his two leads, which includes Rooney Mara. Transporting the audience to a time we can only see in our dreams, Blanchett showcases a strength that isnt exhibited too often in LGBTQ period dramas. Under the protection of screenwriter Nagys loving words and Carter Burwells sonorous composition, she maximizes her acting techniques to respectfully and lovingly guide the viewer through this heartbreaking tale. Nominated for best actress, she was recognized alongside Jennifer Lawrence (Joy), Charlotte Rampling (45 Years), Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn), and winner Brie Larson (Room).

Tár (2022)

Image Credit: Everett Collection Role: Lydia Tár

Directed by: Todd Field

Written by: Todd Field

Distributor: Focus Features

The scene that proves it: If you want to dance the mask, you must service the composer.

Cate Blanchett walks to a rhythmic beat in Todd Fields psychological drama which sees the Australian performer portraying a lesbian fictional composer. Among her most committed and visceral turns, the woman has no limits to what she can do under the thumb of a killer filmmaker such as Field. While the movie is focused on her, its how the performance is elevated by those around her notably Nina Hoss as her wife Sharon.

Blue Jasmine (2013)

Image Credit: Courtesy of SONY PICTURES CLASSICS Role: Jasmine

Directed by: Woody Allen

Written by: Woody Allen

Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics

The scene that proves it: Tip big, boys.

In the performance of her career so far, Blanchett is the true architect of writer and director Woody Allens distant cousin creation of A Streetcar Named Desire. Dominating in each scene, her towering turn is fixated on your cinematic memory, elevating the execution of her co-stars, most notably Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins and the sadly ignored Bobby Cannavale. Blanchett won her first best actress Oscar (second overall), topping an incredible lineup that included Amy Adams (American Hustle), Sandra Bullock (Gravity), Judi Dench (Philomena) and Meryl Streep (August: Osage County).