CANNES – While attending the Cannes Film Festival, Cate Blanchett expressed her concerns about the rapid decline of the #MeToo movement in the Hollywood industry. Speaking on Sunday, she shared her perspective on how the initiative has lost momentum despite its initial impact.
During a comprehensive dialogue at the event, Blanchett, known for her advocacy on gender equality, voiced her disappointment over how quickly the tide of #MeToo seems to have receded within Hollywood’s circles.
“It’s fascinating how swiftly it was undermined,” Blanchett remarked.
She further elaborated, highlighting the irony of the situation. “There are many individuals with platforms who can safely share their experiences, yet when the average person voices ‘MeToo,’ it seems to be stifled. Why is that?” she questioned.
Back in 2018, Blanchett demonstrated her commitment to the cause by leading a protest on the red carpet at Cannes. Alongside 81 other women, she stood on the steps of the Palais des Festivals, symbolically highlighting the disparity: only 82 female directors had been chosen for Cannes’ competition lineup compared to 1,866 male directors during the same timeframe.
Reflecting on her experiences, she noted, “Even today, on film sets, I still find myself counting. Every morning, there are only 10 women compared to 75 men.” Blanchett’s observations underscore the ongoing gender imbalance in the entertainment industry.
“I love men, but what happens is the jokes become the same,’ she said. “You just have to brace yourself slightly, and I’m used to that, but it just gets boring for everybody when you walk into a homogeneous workplace.”
