Cate Blanchett harbors a preference for awards ceremonies to remain confined to the private sphere, shunning the spotlight of television broadcasts. During a recent guest appearance on the 'Las Culturistas' podcast, cohosted by Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, the double Oscar-winner hinted at a nostalgic longing, suggesting that the Academy Awards should revert to "the era when its magic wasn't captured for the masses."
The discourse took flight as Blanchett reflected on the dwindling sanctuaries of privacy in contemporary society, unmarred by smartphones and the omnipresent threat of unwitting paparazzi. "I cherished the late '80s for the Sydney Mardi Gras dance parties," she reminisced. "Folks were just there, fully present, sharing collective moments of unbridled joy. It was non-confrontational, devoid of cameras, and indifferent to the deeds of others."
Rogers and Yang chimed in, elaborating on how privacy has become an even more elusive commodity in the TikTok era, particularly amidst the viral trend of lip readers deciphering whispered conversations among celebrities during televised awards shows and other high-profile events.
Yang pondered aloud on how this divide between the idealistic notion of an intimate gathering and the reality of a heavily scrutinized awards ceremony was widening, mentioning the prevalence of lip readers and relentless photographers. A momentarily perplexed Blanchett interjected, "Lip readers?"
The co-hosts clarified, illustrating the viral phenomenon where TikTok users endeavor to guess the private exchanges between stars at such events. Rogers described how these guesses, often uncannily accurate, imparted a strange undertone to the proceedings. Yang concurred, adding that this trend lent an air of peril to Hollywood gatherings, a sentiment Blanchett readily echoed.
"I know it sounds heretical," she ventured, "but I propose we revert to the days when these ceremonies weren't televised. Imagine a triumphant return to those joyous gatherings where people could let loose without the weight of public scrutiny. Our industry stands at a crossroads, teetering between exhilarating potential and depression. We must congregate and celebrate our craft, unburdened by the need for public display."
She continued, her enthusiasm palpable, "Sure, the fashion is spectacular, and the anticipation of winners is thrilling. But wouldn't it be wonderful if all that transpired behind closed doors? Imagine an evening so different, where the revelry remained our own secret. In the end, we'll still learn who triumphed and who fell short. But the journey to that revelation could be so much more intimate and special."
With two Oscar wins under her belt – for Best Supporting Actress in 2005's 'The Aviator' and Best Actress in 2014's 'Blue Jasmine', complemented by six additional nominations – Blanchett is no stranger to awards ceremonies. Nevertheless, it's plausible to assume that the Academy Awards have no intention of abandoning their televised format anytime soon. After all, the first televised Oscars ceremony was a landmark event in 1953, marking the dawn of a new era in entertainment.
