Why Do People Hate Cate Blanchett?

Cate Blanchett is an award-winning and acclaimed Australian actress known for films like Elizabeth, The Aviator, Blue Jasmine, Carol, and many more. She has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, three BAFTAs, and three Golden Globes.

However, despite her success and talent, Blanchett has faced some criticism and backlash over the years from certain groups. In this article, we’ll explore some of the potential reasons why some people dislike or criticize the actress.

Her Privileged Background

One of the most common criticisms of Blanchett is that she comes from a privileged background, which some people believe gave her an advantage in breaking into acting. Blanchett grew up in the affluent Sydney suburb of Ivanhoe in a well-to-do family.

Her father was an executive at an advertising agency, and her mother was a teacher and later property developer. This upper-middle-class upbringing is seen by some as giving Blanchett a leg up in the highly competitive acting world.

Blanchett’s Education and Training

Critics point to Blanchett attending the selective all-girls Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School and later the prestigious Methodist Ladies’ College on scholarships as evidence of her privilege.

She then studied economics and fine arts at the University of Melbourne before dropping out to pursue acting full-time at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney. To some, this looks like an easy pathway afforded by her comfortable background.

Perception of Being Out of Touch

There is a perception among some that Blanchett’s privileged upbringing has made her out of touch with ordinary people and their struggles. Her posh accent and refined manners reinforce this view for some critics. As she often plays royalty and upper-class characters, they see her as embodying elitism and being unable to connect genuinely with regular folk.

Her Feminist Views Are Polarizing

Blanchett is an outspoken feminist and has advocated passionately for gender equality and women’s rights. However, her brand of feminism has rubbed some people the wrong way.

Blanchett’s Comments on Sexism in Hollywood

She has spoken openly about sexism in the movie business and how actresses face great pressures regarding looks and ageing. But some feel her personal success undermines her perspective or see her as complaining from a position of privilege.

“Female Films” Stance Causes Backlash

When Blanchett stated she dislikes the term “female films” and that there should be no distinction between male and female-centered stories, some criticized her view as naive or unhelpful to the feminist cause. Others thought she came across as discounting women’s experiences.

Unapologetic Attitude Seen as Abrasive

For those already inclined to dislike Blanchett, her unapologetic feminism and calling out of sexism can come across as abrasive or lecturing. She refuses to downplay her views to be more palatable, which some find off-putting.

Her Versatility Is Seen as Showboating

One of the qualities that garner Blanchett so much acclaim – her versatility and chameleon-like ability to transform for vastly different roles – also raises ire in some quarters.

Perception She Is a Show-Off

There is a school of thought that Blanchett deliberately takes on roles that require major physical or vocal transformations to show off her acting skills. Naysayers feel she is a show-off who wants to prove how talented she is versus committing to the character.

Prefer Actors Who Focus on Depth Rather Than Range

Some critics and audiences prefer actors who carve out a niche with a specific persona versus those who shape-shift radically for each new part. They feel Blanchett is more concerned with proving her range than with cultivating depth and subtlety within a defined wheelhouse.

Transformation Seen as Distracting

There is criticism that Blanchett’s tendency to transform her looks, voice, and mannerisms for each role is distracting. Rather than disappearing seamlessly into characters, her extreme makeovers call attention to the actor rather than the part, preventing immersion for some viewers.

Her Personality Comes Across as Aloof or Cold

While fans appreciate her intelligence and sophistication, Blanchett’s refined persona and apparent seriousness rub her detractors the wrong way.

Seen as Distant and Unapproachable

There is a sense among some that Blanchett is distant, unapproachable, and lacks warmth. She comes across as cerebral and emotionally restrained in interviews, seeming aloof or indifferent. This can make her unlikeable to those looking for relatability and vulnerability from celebrities.

Reputation as a Snob

Blanchett’s cultured background, posh accent and movie star lifestyle lead to a perception that she is a snob looking down on others. The sense is that she sees herself as above it all. Her highbrow interests and articulate speech reinforce this notion for some.

Guarded Nature Makes Her Hard to Connect With

Whereas some stars share openly, Blanchett is known to be very private and guarded with her personal life. For audiences seeking to bond with celebrities, her protectiveness and reluctance to get candid makes her difficult to relate to on a deeper level. She remains enigmatic and thus unknowable to many.

She Is Perceived as Overly Political

Blanchett is one of the more politically outspoken celebrities in Hollywood. She uses her platform to advocate for various social and environmental causes. But her willingness to leverage her fame for activism rubs some people the wrong way.

Outspoken Criticism of Conservative Politicians

Blanchett has been an outspoken critic of conservative politicians in her native Australia, lambasting the government for climate change inaction among other issues. This irks right-leaning fans who feel celebrities should avoid partisan politics.

Oversteps Role as an Actor for Some

There is a perception among detractors that Blanchett should stick to acting and avoid political statements or lecturing the public on policy matters. They believe she oversteps her role and expertise when speaking out on issues beyond the arts and entertainment.

Hypocrisy of Preaching While Living Lavishly

Like with many politically vocal celebrities, Blanchett faces charges of hypocrisy and sanctimoniousness from critics. They contend that it rings hollow for her to lecture about climate change or income inequality while living an ultra-privileged and high carbon footprint lifestyle. Her words don’t match her actions for these naysayers.

Her Acclaim Is Seen as Excessive or Undeserved

While clearly a talented and accomplished actress, some believe the outsized acclaim Blanchett has received throughout her career is over-the-top or undeserved. There is a perception that she is overhyped or even overrated.

Received Awards for Lesser Work

In the eyes of critics, Blanchett has received prestigious awards like Oscars for films and performances that were not especially outstanding or memorable. They argue other actors should have won for superior work that went unrecognized due to her stature and reputation with Academy voters.

Seen as More Style over Substance

Relatedly, there is a view that Blanchett’s award-caliber work relies more on superficial elements like makeup transformations and affectations rather than deeply moving acting. Her technically proficient performances lack raw emotion and vulnerability for these naysayers. It’s more style over true substance.

Other Actresses Deserve Similar Opportunities

Some argue that while clearly talented, Blanchett has been given opportunities and plumb roles that should have gone to equally gifted actresses. Her A-list status gives her access to the peak projects, denying other women their chance to shine in prestigious parts.

She Can Come Across as Inauthentic or Phony

With her mastery of accents, affectations, and physical alterations for roles, a perception lingers among some that the real Cate Blanchett lacks authenticity. There is a sense she is simply playing a part even when not on screen.

Chameleon Persona Makes Her Hard to Pin Down

Because Blanchett disappears so wholly into wildly diverse characters, detractors argue this makes her actual essence hard to grasp. Who is the real Cate Blanchett behind all the costumes, voices and mannerisms – the serious artist or the movie star? This chameleon quality spurs distrust and doubts of phoniness.

Poshest Accent Is Not Her Real Voice

It is well known that Blanchett’s cutting British accent and polished elocution are an affectation, not her natural speaking voice from Australia. This deliberate obscuring of her real voice strikes some as inauthentic – an example of fake behavior.

Private Personality Remains Obscured

Blanchett’s intense privacy about her off-screen life preserves a sense of mystery and lack of genuine candor in the minds of doubters. They contend anyone so purposefully unknowable must have something phony or contrived to hide. This reinforces impressions of inauthenticity.

Conclusion: Understanding the Complex Reactions to a Complex Star

Cate Blanchett undeniably provokes strong reactions from both fans and detractors. Her posh upbringing, unapologetic feminism, transformational acting style, aloof persona and vocal political stances rub some the wrong way.

Perceptions of privilege, elitism, showboating and phoniness further fuel animosity in certain circles. Yet these very same qualities that draw criticism from some are precisely what endear her to ardent admirers seeking an inspired artist with conviction.

The polarized responses show that Blanchett is a complex star who challenges simplistic perceptions – a cultural figure we project our own passions, biases and insecurities upon. One thing is clear: Blanchett has never courted bland acceptance or middling reactions.

So while there are certainly fair critiques to be made, the intense passions she arouses, both negative and positive, speak to her riveting screen presence and cultural impact.

FAQs About Why People Dislike Cate Blanchett

What is Cate Blanchett best known for?

Cate Blanchett is best known for her acclaimed acting career spanning over 25 years. Some of her most celebrated roles include playing Queen Elizabeth I in Elizabeth, Katharine Hepburn in The Aviator, Bob Dylan in I’m Not There, the elf Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the troubled socialite Jasmine in Blue Jasmine, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

What privileges did Cate Blanchett have growing up?

Blanchett grew up in the affluent Sydney suburb of Ivanhoe in an upper-middle class family. She attended elite private schools like Ivanhoe Girls Grammar and Methodist Ladies College on scholarships. This privileged background is seen by some critics as giving her unfair advantages in launching an acting career.

Why do people think Cate Blanchett is a snob?

Some perceive Blanchett as a snob due to her refined upbringing, posh accent, celebrity lifestyle, and sophistication. She has highbrow artistic interests and never seems to pander to more populist tastes. This leads to an impression with some that she looks down on others without her privileges.

What political views has Blanchett espoused?

Blanchett is known for her outspoken liberal politics, including feminism, environmentalism and social justice issues. She has criticized conservative Australian politicians for lack of action on climate change. Her willingness to leverage her fame for activism turns off fans who disagree or think celebrities should avoid partisan politics.

Why is Blanchett seen as inauthentic by some people?

With her chameleon-like acting skills, Blanchett disappears wholly into each new character. This makes some feel her real self remains obscured. Her affected posh British accent also strikes some as phony. Her intense privacy reinforces impressions that she lacks authenticity and has something to hide.