Why Cate Blanchett Says Award Shows Shouldn’t Be Televised Anymore?
Cate Blanchett, a two-time Oscar winner, recently shared her thoughts on awards shows and their growing lack of privacy in today’s digital age. During her appearance on the Las Culturistas With Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang podcast, the actress revealed her preference for the days when awards shows were not broadcast live, urging a return to more intimate, less public-facing celebrations.
A Desire for Privacy in Hollywood
The conversation began when Cate Blanchett expressed her frustration with the lack of privacy in modern life, particularly in public events. “There are so few spaces that you can go now where you are private,” she noted. Referring to the late 1980s, Cate Blanchett fondly recalled attending dance parties during Sydney’s Mardi Gras, where people were fully present and engaged without the threat of being recorded. She reminisced about the carefree, unguarded nature of those times, contrasting it with today’s highly publicized world.
The Impact of Social Media and Lip Reading Trends
As the conversation shifted to the current age of social media, co-hosts Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang discussed how platforms like TikTok have contributed to a loss of privacy. Yang highlighted the trend of lip readers trying to decipher conversations between celebrities at awards shows. Cate Blanchett seemed taken aback by the mention of lip reading, asking for clarification. The co-hosts explained how TikTok users analyze moments between stars at public events, with some claiming to have figured out what was being said sometimes with unsettling accuracy.
Cate Blanchett agreed with the co-hosts, acknowledging that the intrusion of social media into Hollywood events has made them feel “treacherous.”
A Call for More Intimate Celebrations
In response to the invasive nature of modern awards shows, Cate Blanchett suggested a return to the past. “Go back to the day when it wasn’t televised,” she proposed. “Just have a great party where people can just let go.” Blanchett emphasized the importance of celebrating the work and talent of individuals in a more private and genuine setting, away from the scrutiny of cameras, microphones, and social media platforms.
The Future of Awards Shows
Blanchett went on to explain how the entertainment industry is currently at a “pivot point,” where change is imminent, either leading to exciting opportunities or potential disappointments. She believes the focus should be on gathering to celebrate the industry’s achievements without the need for public validation.
Fashion and Recognition Behind Closed Doors
While Blanchett acknowledged the appeal of fashion and public recognition, she argued that the essence of the evening could remain intact without the public-facing aspect. “We’ll find out in the end who won or who didn’t win,” she said, adding that it would be refreshing to see such events happen “behind closed doors,” fostering a more authentic and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
A Shift in Hollywood Culture
Blanchett’s comments reflect a broader shift in Hollywood, where the pressures of constant public exposure and social media scrutiny are starting to be questioned. By advocating for a more private, celebratory environment, Blanchett highlights the potential for a more relaxed and enjoyable industry gathering—free from the intense spotlight that currently dominates such events.
