Cate Blanchett Calls for a Private, Non-Televised Awards Show

Cate Blanchett, a two-time Academy Award-winning actress, has made a bold statement about the state of modern award shows, arguing that they should return to being private events rather than televised spectacles. Speaking on a podcast, she reflected on how social media, viral trends, and the ever-present cameras have fundamentally changed the way these ceremonies feel—turning them into public performances rather than genuine celebrations of artistic achievement.

Blanchett’s comments come at a time when Hollywood events are scrutinized more than ever. From red carpet fashion breakdowns to real-time reactions dissected on TikTok, nothing goes unnoticed. One of the trends she finds particularly troubling is lip-reading videos, where internet users attempt to decipher what celebrities are saying during these events. “Lip readers?” she asked, surprised when the hosts explained the phenomenon. The idea that private conversations between artists are being analyzed and speculated upon in real-time highlights just how much the nature of award shows has changed.

A Nostalgic Look at the Past

For Blanchett, today’s hyper-public awards culture stands in stark contrast to the past. She reminisced about the late 1980s, describing the dance parties she attended where people were present, uninhibited, and fully engaged in the moment. “No one was being recorded. No one cared what anyone did,” she recalled, highlighting the freedom that came with not being under constant surveillance.

This level of privacy, she argues, has been lost. Phones, cameras, and social media have made it nearly impossible for public figures to exist in a space where they are not being watched, analyzed, or criticized. In her view, awards ceremonies should be a place where industry professionals can gather, share their experiences, and celebrate their work in a setting that isn’t shaped by outside pressures.

Why Blanchett Wants Awards Shows Off the Air

Blanchett’s core argument is simple: if award shows were no longer televised, they could return to being about the work rather than the spectacle. “Just have a great party,” she suggested, emphasizing the need for a more intimate and meaningful way to celebrate achievements in film, television, and other creative fields.

She acknowledges that the glamour of award shows—the fashion, the exclusivity, and the prestige—will always draw public interest. But in her view, the essential purpose of these gatherings should be about the industry coming together to reflect on its craft, not about providing entertainment for the masses. “We’ll find out in the end who won or who didn’t win,” she remarked, suggesting that the results could still be shared publicly without the entire event being broadcast live.

Blanchett also touched on the current state of the entertainment industry, calling it a “pivot point” where things could either evolve into something exciting or become increasingly fragmented. In her opinion, bringing back private, non-televised awards shows would help create a stronger sense of community among industry professionals, allowing them to celebrate their work without the pressures of public perception.

The Evolution of Award Shows

The first televised Oscars took place in 1953, and since then, award ceremonies have grown into massive, globally broadcasted events. Over the decades, they have become as much about the drama, unexpected moments, and red carpet fashion as they are about honoring artistic achievements.

While some might argue that broadcasting these events has made them more accessible and inclusive for audiences worldwide, others believe it has turned them into overproduced spectacles driven by ratings, sponsorships, and viral moments. With declining viewership in recent years, many have questioned whether traditional award shows are still as relevant as they once were.

Blanchett’s perspective aligns with the idea that these ceremonies should be about the art itself rather than media-fueled narratives. She envisions a space where actors, directors, writers, and other creatives can connect and celebrate their work without worrying about how they are perceived by the outside world.

Could It Ever Happen?

While Blanchett’s suggestion is thought-provoking, the reality is that major award shows, especially the Oscars, are unlikely to abandon their televised format. These broadcasts generate significant revenue through advertisements, sponsorships, and global licensing deals. They also play a crucial role in promoting nominated films and artists, helping to boost box office numbers and streaming viewership.

However, there is room for discussion about how these events could evolve. Some have proposed hybrid models—where parts of the ceremony remain private while select moments are shared with the public. Others have suggested reformatting award shows to make them more engaging, authentic, and artist-focused rather than being driven by commercial interests.

Regardless of whether her vision becomes reality, Blanchett’s comments spark an important conversation about the role of award shows in today’s entertainment landscape. At their core, these ceremonies should be about recognizing and celebrating artistic excellence. But in a world where privacy is becoming increasingly rare, perhaps it’s time to rethink how these events are structured and whether the focus should shift back to the artists rather than the audience.

While the Oscars and other major awards will likely remain public spectacles for the foreseeable future, Blanchett’s idea of a more intimate, industry-focused celebration is an intriguing one—one that challenges Hollywood to reconsider what truly matters in honoring creativity and storytelling.