Here’s to Cate Blanchett! The world-renowned Australian actress is celebrating her 50th birthday today, May 14. Let’s take a moment to toast this incredible talent who’s graced our screens with unforgettable performances for decades.

Born Catherine Elise Blanchett in 1969, in the Melbourne suburb of Ivanhoe, Cate is the middle child of three siblings. Her parents, June Blanchett (née Gamble), an Australian, and Robert DeWitt Blanchett Jr., an American from Texas, gave her a unique cross-cultural upbringing. This background seems to have nurtured her ability to embody characters from all walks of life with authenticity and depth.

After honing her craft at the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Cate embarked on a career that would see her shine both on stage and screen. Her breakthrough roles include the 1999 psychological thriller The Talented Mr. Ripley, the intense drama Notes on a Scandal in 2006, and the critically acclaimed Blue Jasmine in 2013. Of course, who could forget her enchanting portrayal of Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies? Her work has earned her two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, and three BAFTAs, among other accolades. In 2017, she even received a Tony Award nomination for her stage performance.

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While her portrayal of Galadriel is iconic, it’s not the only role that’s left a lasting impression on audiences. Let’s dive into five of Cate Blanchett's most unforgettable performances:

Jude Quinn (I’m Not There)

In 2007, Cate took on one of the most ambitious roles of her career in I’m Not There, a biographical drama inspired by the life and music of Bob Dylan. Directed by Todd Haynes, the film features six actors portraying different facets of Dylan’s identity. Cate’s character, Jude Quinn, is a fictionalized version of Dylan during the mid-1960s. Her performance was nothing short of extraordinary, earning her nominations for an Oscar and a BAFTA, as well as a well-deserved Golden Globe win. It’s a testament to her versatility as an actress to convincingly play a male character with such grace and conviction.

Rent it on Amazon or iTunes to experience this masterpiece.

Carol Aird (Carol)

For many fans, Cate’s portrayal of Carol Aird in the 2015 romantic drama Carol stands out as her crowning achievement. Directed once again by Todd Haynes, the film is based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Price of Salt. Set in the 1950s, it tells the poignant story of a forbidden love affair between an aspiring photographer, played by Rooney Mara, and Carol, a married woman navigating a difficult divorce. Cate’s performance is both tender and complex, capturing the emotional turmoil of a woman caught between societal expectations and her true desires. The film was widely praised, earning her nominations at the Oscars, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes. It’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates heartfelt storytelling.

Stream it on Netflix for a deeply moving experience.

Hela (Thor: Ragnarok)

Cate brought her A-game to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok, playing the role of Hela, the Goddess of Death. Directed by Taika Waititi, the film sees Thor (Chris Hemsworth) teaming up with his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), and Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) to stop Hela from destroying their home, Asgard. Cate’s interpretation of the villainess is both menacing and captivating, adding depth to a character who could have easily been one-dimensional. Her ability to convey both power and vulnerability makes Hela one of the MCU’s most memorable antagonists. It’s clear that Cate had a blast bringing this larger-than-life character to life.

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Watch it on Netflix to relive the epic adventure.

Katharine Hepburn (The Aviator)

In 2004’s The Aviator, directed by Martin Scorsese, Cate delivered a tour-de-force performance as Katharine Hepburn. The film chronicles the life of aviation pioneer and filmmaker Howard Hughes, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Cate’s portrayal of the legendary actress is both charming and nuanced, capturing Hepburn’s wit and independence. Her chemistry with DiCaprio adds an extra layer of authenticity to their on-screen relationship. For her efforts, Cate walked away with an Oscar, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe nomination. It’s a testament to her ability to bring historical figures to life with such authenticity.

Stream it on Netflix to witness this incredible biographical drama.

Queen Elizabeth (Elizabeth and Elizabeth: The Golden Age)

Cate has twice donned the crown to portray Queen Elizabeth, first in 1999’s Elizabeth and then in 2008’s Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Directed by Shekhar Kapur, these films explore the early and later years of the queen’s reign, respectively. In both, Cate brings a regal presence to the role, balancing the queen’s strength with her vulnerability. Her performance in the first film earned her an Oscar nomination, as well as wins at the BAFTAs and Golden Globes. The sequel saw her nominated for another Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe. Her ability to transform into this historical figure is nothing short of remarkable.

Watch Elizabeth and Elizabeth: The Golden Age on Starz to experience Cate’s royal reign.

Happy 50th birthday, Cate! Here’s to many more years of captivating performances and inspiring audiences around the world.