Cate Blanchett is one of the most recognized and respected actresses of her generation. The two-time Oscar-winning actress is known for her outspoken nature and strong beliefs.
At the 2024 Cannes Festival red carpet, she made a bold statement.
Blanchett sparked online debate with her choice of dress at Cannes, where she was promoting her upcoming film, Rumours. She attended the premiere of Donald Trump’s biopic, The Apprentice, in a Jean Paul Gaultier gown designed by Haider Ackermann. The gown featured a black front, a light pink back, and a white portion visible in photos. Inside, the dress had a green lining. When Blanchett lifted the dress to reveal the green lining, the color combination resembled the Palestinian flag.
Social media quickly recognized this as a gesture of support for Gaza amidst the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, now in its eighth month.
Dr. Zahira Jaser posted on X, “When I grow up, I want to be Cate Blanchett, and have the subtlety to think the carpet is already red, so I can just wear a black & white dress with green lining to make such a strong point.”
“CATE BLANCHETT YOU ARE THE REALEST,” another supporter wrote.
However, not everyone was pleased with Blanchett’s nod to the Palestinian cause. One Facebook user commented, “People are obsessed… anyway, the dress looks kinda cheap, no?”
Another added, “I wish she visits Palestine just like the way she’s dressed. And stay there.”
The internet was divided over Blanchett’s statement. In October 2023, she was one of 55 artists who signed an open letter to US President Joe Biden, calling for a ceasefire. The letter, also signed by Joaquin Phoenix and Kristen Stewart, urged for an end to the bombing of Gaza and the safe release of hostages.
In November, Blanchett addressed the European Parliament Plenary Session as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Refugee Agency. She reiterated her call for a ceasefire in Gaza, stating, “I am not Syrian. I am not Ukrainian. I am not Yemeni. I am not Afghani. I am not from South Sudan. I am not from Israel or Palestine. I am not a politician. I am not even a pundit. But I am a witness.”
She continued, “Having witnessed the human cost of war, violence, and persecution visiting refugees from across the globe, I cannot look away. Over the past few weeks, we have all, in horror, been watching the continuing violence in Israel and Gaza. The conflict has claimed – and is still claiming – thousands of innocent lives.”
Blanchett concluded her plea by urging everyone to challenge the dangerous myth that every refugee is heading to Europe.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s retaliation has resulted in over 35,000 Palestinian deaths and over 79,000 injuries, with the majority being civilians.