Cate Blanchett Reflects on Evolving Ageism and Sexism in Hollywood

The two-time Oscar winner opens up about changing industry norms, the rise of female voices in filmmaking, and why she thinks awards shows should go back to being private parties.

Cate Blanchett Says the “Shelf Life” for Actresses Has Changed—and Hollywood Is Finally Catching Up

Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett is reflecting on how far Hollywood has come—and how far it still has to go—when it comes to sexism, ageism, and gender representation in the industry.

In a recent conversation with Business Insider, the Blue Jasmine and The Aviator star candidly shared, “The shelf life of actresses when I first came on the scene was about five years.” Now 55 and still one of the most celebrated actors of her generation, Blanchett credits the industry’s evolving dynamics for keeping her and others in the game longer.

“There’s more agency for female producers now,” Blanchett noted. “There’s more females in the writing room, and the more diverse the industry is at base level, the more exciting it is for audiences.”

While she acknowledges that ageism and sexism persist across all sectors, Blanchett points out that Hollywood’s high visibility makes it a unique battleground. “We’re a very public-facing industry,” she said, suggesting that the challenges are often magnified.

Blanchett joins a growing list of actresses, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Glenn Close, Niecy Nash, and Kirsten Dunst, who have called out Hollywood for sidelining women, especially as they age. Dunst, for instance, has previously revealed that she took a break from acting after being offered only “sad mom” roles.

Blanchett also made headlines earlier this month when she appeared on the Las Culturistas podcast and shared her thoughts on the state of award shows, especially the Oscars. “Bring that back and just have a great party where people can let go,” she said, suggesting that award ceremonies may have lost their essence in the age of televised spectacle.

“The industry is at a pivot point,” Blanchett added. “We need to gather and celebrate what it is that we do—without always performing for the public eye.”

With her timeless performances and unfiltered opinions, Blanchett continues to be a powerful voice for change—on and off screen.