Qld: Blanchett on target for an Oscar role

AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-2000
Qld: Blanchett on target for an Oscar role

By Dale Paget

GOLD COAST, Dec 21 AAP - Cate Blanchett's push for a place in this year's Oscar race
received a boost today after positive US reviews for her performance in "The Gift" which
just opened in New York and Los Angeles.

Reviews in major newspapers and entertainment magazines are tipping the 1999 Oscar
nominee for "Elizabeth" as a strong Academy Award competitor for best actress front runner,
Julia Roberts in "Erin Brockovich".

Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times said Blanchett's performance in "The Gift" "solidifies
her position as one of the pre-eminent screen actresses".

"Though she began acting in Australia, Blanchett, as usual, has no problem being immediately
convincing as a Georgia widow raising three children on her own," Turan added.

"With her raw-boned look and mastery of accents, Blanchett soon has you believing she's
as authentic as Tammy Wynette."

In "The Gift" Blanchett's character is called on by police to use her psychic powers
in a murder investigation.

The film, which co-stars Keanu Reeves and Oscar winner Hilary Swank, received lukewarm
praise with much of the kudos for its success heaped upon Blanchett.

Variety's Todd McCarthy describes her as "the ever-remarkable Cate Blanchett" and said
her performance is "impeccably subtle and nuanced ... further proof of her extraordinary
range".

Matinee Magazine's film editor Chuck Rudolph said "Blanchett commands every second
of the film. She is the show, and then some.

"It's certainly one of the year's most rewarding performances."

In a wide open Oscar race early previews are naming Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett,
Laura Linney (You Can Count on Me), Ellen Burstyn (Requiem for a Dream), Juliette Binoche
(Chocolat) and Joan Allen (The Contender) as the most likely best actress nominees.

The nominations will be announced on February 13. The Academy Awards, hosted this year
by Steve Martin, will be held on March 25.

AAP dp/em

KEYWORD: BLANCHETT

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