Actress Cate Blanchett did not have many positive things to say about awards shows upon accepting her win for best actress.
While speaking Sunday at the Critics Choice Awards, Blanchett told the crowd, “This best actress [award], I mean it is extremely arbitrary considering how many extraordinary performances there have been by women not only in this room.”
She went on to mention other female actors and thanked her director.
Blanchett added, “I can’t believe I’m up here. This is ridiculous … I would love it if we would just change this whole f***ng structure.”
She continued, “It’s like what is this patriarchal pyramid where someone stands up here. Why don’t we just say there was a whole raft of female performances that are in concert and in dialogue with one another?”
The actress suggested the industry “stop the televised horse race of it all.”
Concluding her remarks, Blanchett said, “Because, can I tell you, every single woman with a television, film, advertising, tampon commercials — whatever — you’re all out there doing amazing work that is inspiring me continually. So, thank you. I share this with you all.”
Watch her speech below:
Cate Blanchett – Best Actress Award winner – and her wonderful speech #CriticsChoiceAwards #TÁR pic.twitter.com/QN41GqYIaq
— ʙᴇʟʟᴀᴅᴏɴɴᴀ? (@canyou_sonicme) January 16, 2023
Another notable moment from the awards show took place during actor Brendan Fraser’s acceptance speech after winning best actor for “The Whale.”
“I was in the wilderness and I probably should have left a trail of breadcrumbs, but you found me,” Fraser said, thanking the director for giving him the opportunity to play the role.
Commenting on the film, Fraser told the crowd, “For anyone like Charlie, who struggles with obesity, or for anyone who just feels like you are in a dark sea: I want you to know that you too have the strength to just get to your feet and go to the light. And good things will happen.”
Comedian Seth Rogen took a moment to criticize the CW, the network airing the show, during the event.
“I’m not saying the CW is bad. What I will say, it is the one network to receive zero Critics Choice nominations — you are saying it’s bad,” Rogen said.
He added, “We’re on your least favorite network. How did that happen? Nominate yourselves next time, you’d have won. No one will think it’s weird, they’ll think it’s fine.”
Rogen continued, “If you’re a normal viewer of the CW this is a startling image to be seeing on your television right now. I might be the first Jew on the CW in history. Soak it in.”
