Famous actress Cate Blanchett slammed the nature of awards shows while onstage Sunday at the Critics Choice Awards.
She praised the other female nominees for their performances and gave a nod to their achievements after beating out Michelle Williams, Viola Davis, Danielle Deadwyler, Margot Robbie and Michelle Yeoh in the Best Actress category.
“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,” Blanchett said. “I can’t believe I’m up here. This is ridiculous … I would love it if we would just change this whole fucking structure.”
“It’s like what is this patriarchal pyramid where someone stands up here,” she continued. “Why don’t we just say there was a whole raft of female performances that are in concert and in dialogue with one another?”
“And stop the televised horse race of it all,” she added.
Blanchett argued all the other women around her deserved credit for their work in the industry.
“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,” she said. (RELATED: ‘I Had To Really Twist His Arm’: James Cameron Says Leonardo DiCaprio Nearly Passed On ‘Titanic’)
She added humor to her speech by referencing a moment in which Julia Roberts lent a hand by offering her some mouthwash, and the crowd roared with laughter.
Blanchett won Best Actress for her portrayal of a disgraced composer in “Tár.” The awards ceremony took place at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles and hosted a star-studded audience. The actress won a Golden Globe award for her role in “Tár” Jan. 10.