Cate Blanchett.. from “extras” with Ahmed Zaki to “Hollywood star”
In 1990, Australian star Cate Blanchett’s academic path led her to Cairo, where she enrolled at Cairo University. To study history and economics, as she was interested in this academic aspect. But without prior planning, she later became one of the most prominent stars of international cinema, and won several Oscars, in addition to her numerous humanitarian projects in different countries of the world, which made her an icon. For all of the above, Blanchett was honored at the El Gouna International Film Festival, in its eighth session in 2025, with the “Heroine of Humanity” award.
Cate Blanchett’s story began with cinema in Cairo, where director Khairy Bishara offered her to participate in limited scenes from his famous film “Crab”, in the role of a blonde foreign girl, who appears in these scenes, within a film that witnessed the stardom of Ahmed Zaki, Raghda, and Hussein Al-Imam. It seems that this simple participation opened a window for her to view the world. After leaving Cairo, the international star appeared in her first artistic work, “Elysia”, in 2001. Thanks to her great talent and ability to embody characters; She became one of the most respected and appreciated actresses in Hollywood. She played the role of “the fairy Galadriel” in the “Lord of the Rings” film series, before sweeping international cinema screens in 2006 with the movie “Babylon,” in which she co-starred opposite the star Brad Pitt.
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Cate Blanchett.. from “extras” with Ahmed Zaki to “Hollywood star”
Awards… achievements… and humanity:
During her artistic career, Cate Blanchett won a number of prestigious awards, most notably: the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, for her role in the movie The Aviator (2004), and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama for her role in Blue Jasmine (2013).
The international star, who is married to director Andrew Upton, and the mother of three children: “Dashell, Roman, and Ignatius.” Stardom did not distract her from undertaking several humanitarian tours, aimed at helping refugees, due to her absolute belief in their right to life. For this reason, she was honored again with the “Heroine of Humanity” award, within the activities of the “El Gouna Film Festival,” and she said upon receiving the award: “Refugees are often defined by what they have lost, not by what they are.” But wherever I travel with UNHCR, I meet extraordinary individuals, striving to rebuild and belong. “This award is a reminder of how much we still have to do… This is not the time for indifference.”
During her presence at the festival, Cate Blanchett witnessed the signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding between the El Gouna Film Festival, the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. To enhance cooperation in supporting refugee issues through the festival’s platforms.
This signing confirmed El Gouna’s position as a platform that combines culture and humanity, and works to create a realistic, long-term impact, especially since the international star is known for her humanitarian visits to refugee areas in various countries, including: Central Africa, Jordan, Lebanon, Bangladesh, South Sudan, and Uganda.
Art and the environment…a multidimensional message:
Cate Blanchett spoke about the impact of cinema on people’s lives, noting that through her two films: “TÁR” and “The New Boy,” she addressed the two topics: identity and displacement, and she also highlighted in the movie “Rumours” the two issues: responsibility and leadership, through symbolic irony.
Cate Blanchett’s interests do not stop at art and humanitarian issues only. She recently unveiled an interview she recorded with King Charles III of Britain, which they devoted to talking about an issue that brings them together: “environment and climate.” They celebrated the quarter-century anniversary of the founding of the “Millennium Seed Bank” and its crucial role in preserving nature. And save them before they disappear due to climate change and environmental pressures.
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Dr. Elinor Bryman, senior researcher in seed conservation at Kew Gardens, participated with them in the podcast, explaining that the essence of this mission is to ensure the preservation of nature’s biodiversity for future generations, and the long-term health of the planet.
Cate Blanchett said in the interview:
“The future of life on Earth may depend, in large part, on the seeds stored in this bank. There is urgency in the work the seed bank does. I was shocked to learn that 97% of the wildflower meadows had been wiped out. “I don’t think we fully understand this, because we look around us and see abundant natural beauty, but we don’t realize how fragile it is and how much it needs help.”
In turn, Charles III spoke about an initiative he launched; To commemorate the coronation of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, called the “Coronation Promoter,” he said: “I thought it was a good opportunity; Because I knew the real damage to our flower-rich meadows since the war, and that is why I am keen to take care of environmental issues and ways to preserve its resources, for the sake of a world characterized by humanity and life.”
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