Cate Blanchett Advocates for Award Shows to Go Off-Air for Privacy’s Sake

Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett is making waves with her opinion that award shows should no longer be broadcasted, citing concerns over celebrities’ privacy in the digital age. The star shared her views during an appearance on the podcast "Las Culturistas With Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang," reflecting on how smartphones have drastically reduced private spaces for public figures.

Blanchett reminisced about the late '80s, recalling the carefree joy of dance parties in Sydney for Mardi Gras. "People were just present," she said, describing an era where no one was preoccupied with recording every moment. The actress lamented the modern obsession with documenting everything, which she believes has turned public spaces into potential stages for unwelcome scrutiny.

In a nod to the latest TikTok trend where lip readers analyze celebrity conversations during award shows, Blanchett and the podcast hosts agreed that this phenomenon feels "treacherous." Some celebrities have even resorted to covering their mouths to shield their private chats from becoming viral fodder.

Blanchett boldly suggested a return to the pre-televised days of award shows. "Bring back the great party where people can just let go," she urged, emphasizing the idea of celebrating the creative industry away from public eyes. She noted that the entertainment world is at a "pivot point"—potentially exciting but equally daunting—and argued for gatherings that prioritize artistry over spectacle.

For context, the Academy Awards were first held in 1929 but didn’t grace TV screens until 1953. Since then, the glitz and glamour of the Oscars have captivated global audiences, including Blanchett herself, who has won two Oscars—Best Supporting Actress for "The Aviator" in 2005 and Best Actress for "Blue Jasmine" in 2014—alongside six additional nominations.

While Blanchett doesn’t oppose award shows entirely, she expressed frustration over the current system’s tendency to overexpose certain films and performances. "This is the thing," she said, "all of these films are amazing... but you can get sick of them because they all get whittled down, as they must." She emphasized that every film deserves recognition without becoming tiresome through relentless promotion.

Her critiques of award shows aren’t new. During her 2023 Critics' Choice Award acceptance speech for "Tar," Blanchett described the system as a "patriarchal pyramid" and likened the televised event to a "horse race." She advocated for celebrating the collective brilliance of performances rather than pitting them against each other.

In a particularly striking comment, Blanchett hailed women across all mediums for their inspiring work, from television and film to advertising—yes, even tampon commercials. "You’re all out there doing amazing work that is inspiring me continually," she declared, making it clear that her vision for awards celebrates solidarity over competition.