There’s a wonderful story going around about how Cate Blanchett snagged her Oscar-winning role as Katharine Hepburn in The Aviator. “I want that lead actress from The Missing,” director Martin Scorsese declared. “And if she’s not available, get me the woman who was so funny in Bandits or the one who played the heroine in Veronica Guerin.”

Of course, it’s Blanchett who appeared in all three movies. Whether this story is true or not, Blanchett manages to disappear into her roles. She adopts a different look, speaking voice and body language in every one of her films. Because of this tremendous versatility, she’s not easily recognizable as a traditional “movie star” (even with her cameo appearances as the ethereal Galadriel in the Lord of the Rings movies). Nevertheless, Blanchett’s remarkable acting talent has won rave reviews from most critics, including two of my ReelTalk colleagues. 

“Her version of Katharine Hepburn is a marvelous force of nature,” writes Jeffrey Chen in his review of The Aviator.

“Homesteader and healer, Blanchett’s stout performance (in The Missing) is topnotch,” says John P. McCarthy.

Blanchett has continued to impress me since seeing one of her first films, Oscar and Lucinda (1997). Co-starring with Ralph Fiennes, she won me over as a free-spirited woman on an important mission. “Blanchett shows tremendous potential for stardom,” I wrote in my mixed review of this unusual movie.

Blanchett’s brilliant turn as the very proper wife of a British politician in the film version of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband (1999) reaffirmed my belief in her ability. I couldn’t resist praising her enormous charisma and talent. “She delivers a performance of award-winning caliber, fascinating me with her astounding emotional changes,” I added.

In Pushing Tin (1999) and Bandits (2001), Blanchett displayed a charming comic flair, stealing both movies from established stars Angelina Jolie, John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton and Bruce Willis.

Although Blanchett received a previous Oscar nomination for Elizabeth (1998), I believe she was at her best in Veronica Guerin (a 2003 performance which failed to be recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – a serious mistake, in my book). Adopting an impeccable brogue and reckless attitude, the Australian-born actress captured the true essence of that courageous Irish journalist. 

Blanchett’s recent Oscar win as Best Supporting Actress for The Aviator was certainly well-deserved. I admired her acceptance speech, especially when she thanked Katharine Hepburn for being a great movie icon. She even carried one of Hepburn’s silk gloves in her purse for good luck. I think it’s quite fitting that someone as talented as Blanchett should be the first Oscar winner to be honored for portraying a previous Academy Award winner.

Although Hepburn has won the most golden statuettes (4) for acting, I can’t help wondering if Blanchett will end up matching or surpassing that Oscar record. 

(Photo of Cate Blanchett in The Aviator: © 2004 Miramax Films. All rights reserved.)