Cate Blanchett getting ‘robbed’ of an Oscar for a performance that changed lives will never be forgiven

Cate Blanchett delivered a career-defining performance in the 2022 psychological drama Tár, earning widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Lydia Tár, a fictional composer-conductor. Despite her remarkable work, she faced disappointment at the 95th Academy Awards, where she lost the Best Actress trophy to Michelle Yeoh for her role as Evelyn Quan Wang in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Since the awards, fans have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, with many arguing that Blanchett was “robbed” of the Oscar. Comments ranged from personal reflections to more pointed critiques, with some fans asserting that Blanchett’s performance was among the best of the century. One tweet highlighted the transformative nature of her role, emphasizing how she embodied Lydia Tár and delivered a standout performance.

Tár, written and directed by Todd Field, follows the life of Lydia Tár as she navigates her successful career, personal relationships, and the fallout from her past actions. The film received critical acclaim, making history by winning top honors from multiple film critics’ circles. Blanchett also garnered several prestigious awards, including Best Actress at the BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice Awards. However, despite six nominations at the Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, the film did not win any awards.

Yeoh’s victory was significant as she represented a shift towards greater recognition of diverse talent in an industry that has historically overlooked non-white actors. Prior to the ceremony, Yeoh faced controversy for sharing an article that critiqued the Academy’s racial bias in the Best Leading Actress category, which mentioned Blanchett by name. Although she deleted the post after realizing it violated Academy rules, some fans of Blanchett have expressed lingering resentment towards Yeoh.

In the aftermath, Blanchett’s career remains robust. She has several upcoming projects, including the thriller Black Bag, directed by Steven Soderbergh, set for release on March 14, 2025. While her supporters continue to champion her, Blanchett herself likely isn’t too disheartened by the Oscar outcome, especially considering she has already won two Academy Awards in her illustrious career.